New Bill Will Close Records to Genealogists > > > > HR10, which was mentioned in the 13 October issue of  RootsWeb Review, > > has passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives and is  now part of > > S.2845. The amendments suggested by David Rencher in his letter  to the > > bill's sponsor, Congressman J. Dennis Hastert, were NOT  incorporated > > into this legislation. Thus, the terms of HR10 will now be  considered > > by the Senate, as part of S.2845. > > > > If S.2845 becomes law, as  now written, family historians will face some > > real challenges in attempts to  obtain birth records, even on long- > > deceased individuals. Specifically, what  genealogists need to do is > > suggest to their lawmakers the addition of Sec.  3061(b)(1)(A)(iii) that > > would read: "who is alive on the date that access to  their birth > > certificate is requested." > > > > This addition would clarify  that the legislation (soon to be law) > > applies ONLY to birth certificates of  CURRENTLY LIVING PERSONS. > > If you do not know your U.S. Senator's e-mail  address, you can find it > > at http://www.senate.gov/ > > > > This bill can be  found online at http://thomas.loc.gov/ > > Put in S.2845 (in the bill number  window) and then select item No. 3; > > and go to Subtitle B--Identity Management  Security; Chapter 2--Improved > > Security for Birth  Certificates. > >