Since the possible closing was posted to the list, I am giving you the URL to read part of a letter, I received that might be helpful. It is found at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~iamcgs/closedstatebirthrecords.htm Also this e-mail >Someone on the Ballard-L list received the following response to a query >about the issue from bsoukup@legis.state.ia.us (Soukup, Betty) > > >Thank you for your interest in the proposed change in the procedure >relating to copies of birth records. This initiative will be part of the >Department of Public Health's legislative package for the 2000 session. > > I have spoken with officials in the Department of Public Health to hear >their rationale for this change. They have indicated that under current >law anyone can walk into a county courthouse and look at birth records. >Their concern stems, not from wanting to restrict access to such records, >but from a history of abuse by those seeking to establish false identities. > > I understand your concern, but there is a specific problem the >Department is trying to address and the Legislature will have to evaluate >the arguments. > > I am unsure how to address this issue, but the Department has indicated >they are willing to discuss alternatives. > > Thank you again for sharing your views with me. Please feel free to >contact me with any additional information or comments. > >Sincerely, >Betty Soukup >State Senator > > > -- Jean Leeper jeanlee@harenet.net Visit our register report web site at: http://www.harenet.net/~jeanlee Visit our every name index, web site at: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~jeanlee Visit Marion County IA Genealogical Society's web site: http://www.rootsweb.com/~iamcgs/Index.html Currently researching: WILMOTH/WILMETH, HIGGOTT, THORNELOE, HALL, REISINGER & MCILVAINE