State Senator Andre Jacque of De Pere and Manitowoc Representative Paul Tittl have co-authored a bill that aims to allow adopted children access to their birth certificates.
In a news release, Jacque stated that under current law adult adoptees are able to get a copy of their original, unaltered birth certificate if both birth parents are deceased or both parents have filed forms with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) granting permission.
However, if one of the birth parents refuses to grant permission, DCF will not release the birth certificate as long as that parent is living.
The new bill allows adopted children aged 18 years or older the right to obtain a copy of their original, unaltered birth certificate.
The local representatives in state government pointed to a Donaldson Adoption institute report, which states that the inability to know that information can lead to mental health struggles.
