[epenn922]

Is anyone familiar with the new legislation that is trying to get passed in New Jersey? It has to do with adoptees getting the right to get their original birth certificate. I would like to actively support this, but am unsure how to go about it.

Any info?

Elaine

[Laur01]

I also think it would be great to find out information on this. I have attempted to contact several adoption agencies in NJ and have not received any information or responses. It's sad to think that adoptees have to work so hard to find a piece of paper that is so much a part of them, when other people not in the situation don't even think twice about it.

[shollander]

Wow. What a great subject. Unfortunately, I don't know much about the legislation you're talking about, but I'd love to know more. I was actually born in NYC, but my adoption took place in NJ and my adopted birth certificate originated from NJ. About a year and a half ago, I applied for my first passport--and was DENIED because the government thought it was suspicious that my birth certificate was from NJ. It was a nightmare and very disturbing. It was as though the government was telling me I didn't exist--and, after all, it was the government's legislation and idea to seal adoption records...and here I was getting penalized. If I come across any info, I'll be sure to share it. Good luck.

[mistral82]

For adoptees! How refreshing and human that would be!!! please let me know if you find anything out! Nj has to be the most difficult state to find out any info on adoptees. Its time for them to give us our heritage back! please keep me posted and I will reciprocate....

[raybuffer]

http://www.petitiononline.com/NJFOAR/petition.html

The link above is to a petition regarding Assembly Bill Number A2310 in New Jersey. Sponsored by Assemblyman Leroy J. Jones, Jr. and Richard Bagger.

However at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillsByNumber.asp
which is the New Jersey Legislative Website I referenced the bill number which came up as follows:

A2310 Permits certain persons convicted of crime or offense involving moral turpitude to assume office or employment in municipality operating under provisions of "Optional Municipal Charter Law."

However if you reference "Birth Certificate" these bills come up:

A1178 Allows an adopted person 18 years of age or older access to his original Birth Certificate and other related information.

Last Session Bill Number: A53 A2310

A3136 Allows adopted person access to his original Birth Certificate and other related information; appropriates $90,000.
Identical Bill Number: S2067


S194 Allows adopted person access to his original Birth Certificate and other related information; appropriates $90,000.

Last Session Bill Number: S2002 S1932 S300 (SCS/1R) A3338

S2067 Allows adopted person access to his original Birth Certificate and other related information; appropriates $90,000.
Identical Bill Number: A3136 (SCS/1R) A3338

All of these are from 2002, so I do not know if they are still active. I would encorage you to contact your statesmen and reference these bill numbers to find out.

------------------------------------------------------


In the meantime, there is also a petition to support allowing all adult adoptees in all of the United States the same access to their original birth certificate as is granted to non-adoptees. This would be done in theory, through new Federal Law. To support this, sign the petition at:

www.OBC.2ya.com

All the Best,

Ray Buffer
www.adoptee.2ya.com

[mistral82]

Ray, thanks for your informative direction on the original birth record legislature! I appreciate your time and info, I will check further in this direction.. Thanks again!

[raybuffer]

A friend checked with some New York sources who stated that these bills are dead in the water. Sorry.

Ray

[JoeCollins]

All bills are most likely dead for 2003, but 2004 starts another two year cycle where new and revised bills will hopefully be posted. Some of those leading the fight are:

NJ Coalition for Adoption Reform & Education
------------------------------------------------------------------------
29 Hill Street
Morristown, NJ 07960
Telephone Numbers and Contact Information
(973) 292-2440 Pam Hasegawa, Morristown
(973) 267-8698 Jane Nast, Mendham Twp
Hours of operation: Phone calls taken 9 am - 9 pm, Mon - Fri
Email: janenast@compuserve.com

[mistral82]

Thanks, Joe Collins... I have recently signed the petition... a bit frustrating, but we only can hope things change soon....2004 !