Howdy Fellow Genealogists. Today was a good day in Texas for genealogists. Thanks to all those who called, emailed or faxed. The following update come from our man in Austin, John Miller, President of the Austin Gen Soc. Trey On Wednesday morning, May 12th (today) the Senate Human Services Committee voted out favorably the substitute bill sponsored by Senator Judy Zaffirini. It clearly states that Summary Indexes (only name, date and event-place) are Open Records. Also, that the Bill is applicable to Local Registrars and Bureau of Vital Statistics. If a record would give any information about adoption, parental determination or adoption placement that record would be Closed. I went to the Bureau of Vital Statistics, talked to a supervisor and showed her the language in the draft bill. She told me that there is nothing in the Summary Index that would cause the record to be closed and she didn't have any problem with the wording. Not that it is a big deal, but some clean-up language starts the clock running for the 50/25 years on the event date, not date of filing. The General Index is closed except to "Qualified Applicants" for the 50/25 year periods. Qualified Applicants are defined in the statues to include the registrant, a member of the immediate family, a guardian or legal representative. So o o, "we" headed off the bad guy at the pass and it should be easy sailing. Sen. Z commented that the Committee received about 40 call and letters. That got their attention so she pulled the Bill last week and wrote a substitute Bill which answered our objections. A Committee staffer, Sophia, was extremely helpful with phone calls and faxes of drafts to me, requesting my comments. I appeared before the Committee this morning and thanked them for their efforts on our behalf. >From the Committee, the Bill goes to the Senate's local and uncontested calender and should be passed easily next week. Then it goes back to the House for their vote. Rep. King (the original author of the Bill) has been advised along the way and is expected to concur with the substitution. With his approval, it should be passed by the House. Then to Governor Bush for his signature. You can check the Legislative Web Page to track the status of H.B. 836. Folks, its been fun, and an education. Thanks to one and all for your efforts. Hope we don't have to reconvene in two years. Good hunting! John Miller Austin Genealogical Society