This was in my morning mail. I know where some of my friends live but some I
don't know what state they are in so am mailing thing to all my genealogy
friends. Beej
The Kentucky Legislature is getting ready to drastically limit
access to Kentucky vital records including BIRTHS, DEATHS,
MARRIAGES, and DIVORCE.
(MILITARY RECORDS are also being limited but I do not know
which bill is involved.)
You can find the entire bill at:
http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/record/04rs/HB100/SCS1.doc
Death certificates will still be public record after 50 years but
more recent death certificates will only be available to:
1. the decedent's widow or widower,
2. child eighteen (18) years of age or older
3. parent
4. grandparent
5. sibling eighteen (18) years of age or older
6. funeral director handling the decedent's funeral arrangements
7. personal representative of the decedent's estate
8. a named beneficiary of an insurance policy of the decedent
9. a person with a claim against the decedent's estate
This means that genealogists can no longer order great-uncle Jasper's
death certificate to see his parents' names.
Birth records will be have limited access while the person is living but
will still be public record after 100 years. Divorce and marriage records
will be closed for 70 years.
We are very late in the process.
Jan 6-introduced in House; to Health and Welfare (H)
Jan 15-posted in committee
Jan 29-reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee
Substitute
Jan 30-2nd reading, to Rules; floor amendment (1) filed to Committee
Substitute
Feb 2-posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday,
February 3, 2004
Feb 10-3rd reading, passed 94-2 with Committee Substitute, floor
amendment (1)
Feb 11-received in Senate
Feb 17-to State and Local Government (S)
Mar 16-reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee
Substitute
Mar 17-2nd reading, to Rules
THIS TUESDAY, March 23, this bill will be voted on in the full Senate. If
it
passes, it will go to Gov. Fletcher for his signature into law.
Call and email your senator and let him know that you want HB 100 to fail.
Time is critical! Do it by Monday, at the latest.
You can find your Senator at
http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/whoswho/whoswho.htm
Telephone: 502-564-8100
FAX : 502-564-6543
Postal address: 700 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601
Toll Free Numbers - 2004 Session (only for Kentucky)
Bill Status Line: 1-866-301-9004
Legislative Message Line: 1-800-372-7181
This is the same bill that failed in committee during the last
Legislative session. The genealogists of the state worked together
to stop its passage. Please pass this information along to others.