Greetings, SB 1614 which would have severely restricted access to birth and death records in California, appears to have to have been amended by Senator Jackie Speier. A brief review leads me to believe that Senator Speier may have received a large number of comments in opposition. To review the new text, go to: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=sb_1614&sess=CUR&house=B&search_type=email It is important for genealogists everywhere to keep your eyes and ears open for potential future changes to this bill or the introduction of additional proposed legislation that may act to restrict access to public records. While I personally can understand the desire to stop identity theft, and I acknowledge that our new War on Terrorism may be dependent on stopping people who will steal the identities of others to commit egregious acts against our country and citizens, we cannot allow the acts of a few criminals to cause us the loss of freedom to these important documents of the past. If there are any professional genealogists out there who may have a reasonable solution the state could use to help prevent identity theft, I would hope you might contact Senator Speier's office and offer your recommendations or suggestions. Those who work at this craft by profession are going to be the ones who, by far, have the most vast and varied experiences that would lend itself to understanding the obstacles created by lack of record availability. Thanks to anyone who sent responses as a result of my last email. I have to believe we all made a difference. Sue Silver El Dorado County Pioneer Cemeteries Commission

I am personally grateful to all the family researchers on all the lists to which I subscribe who alerted me and other subscribers about this bill. Not only did I send strongly (but politely!) worded messages to the senators sponsoring the bill, to the Governor, and to my own State Senator (usually in alignment with my own perspective on issues!), but I also sent FYI messages to everyone whom I thought would share our concern. However, "dumb," me! I completely forgot about the budget side of the issue! Most county recorders charge $11 per certified DC (BTW: I always send certified checks and SASEs with my applications. Therefore, I get almost turn-around response from the recorders.). I shudder to calculate just how much money I've poured into the county coffers during the two years that I've been doing serious family research. If this bill does resurrect itself, I'll remember to hit the money angle, too. Thanks again to those who alerted the rest of us. Sue Mullins Susiesearcher@worldnet.att.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sue Silver" <ssilver1951@jps.net> To: <CALOSANG-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, May 31, 2002 6:20 AM Subject: [CALosAngeles] California Senate Bill 1614 - Public Records > Greetings, > > SB 1614 which would have severely restricted access to birth and death records in California, appears to have to have been amended by Senator Jackie Speier. A brief review leads me to believe that Senator Speier may have received a large number of comments in opposition.