Thought I would pass along to the group this reply I received from the
legislative office of Rep. Bob Cherry concerning HB 1540.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Quin Cheatham" <qcheatha(a)iga.state.in.us>
To: <banner1(a)sonicwave.net>
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2003 11:58 AM
Subject: Re: Email Your Legislator
Stacy,
Thank you for your recent email regarding HB 1540. My name is Quindaro E.
Cheatham and I am Representative Cherry's Legislative Assistant. I am also a
member of the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter of the Daughters of the American
Revolution. Please know that after reviewing the bill, it will not affect your
process of verifying your ancestry. Here is a brief explanation of what the
bill does
Vital records (birth and death records) are sent from the county to the state
health department, with copies maintained in the local county health department.
Under current law, all birth and death records located in county health
departments may be viewed, transcribed, or copied by ANY member of the public,
that is, they are "open." Certificates, which are produced from the records,
are only issued to persons with direct interest*family members, etc. The
records at the state health department are "closed", that is, no one can view
or
have copies or get certificates without showing direct interest. HB 1540 would
make all vital records, regardless of location, less accessible to the general
public.
Concerns about limiting access have been raised by genealogists and the Hoosier
Press Association. The bill was amended in the Health Committee on Wednesday,
February 5th to provide specific language for genealogists. The state
department of health will promulgate rules making clear who and how genealogists
will have access. It is anticipated that the bill will be scheduled for
amendment and vote in the Health Committee on February 12th.
There are many issues and concerns surrounding access to vital records. I hope
I have addressed some of your concerns. Please feel free to contact me with
anything further.
Sincerely,
Quin Cheatham
>> Stacy Cox <banner1(a)sonicwave.net> 02/04/03 04:54PM
>>>
email_value: House|Cherry,Bob|h53|hr
title: Representative
first: Bob
last: Cherry
other:
num: r53
num1: 53
name: Stacy Cox
email: banner1(a)sonicwave.net
address: 107 Meridian St
city: Shirley
state: IN
zip: 47384
phone:
comment:
Dear Rep. Cherry,
Yesterday I learned that legislation is being proposed on Wednesdaymorning that
may add further headaches to those of us with an interestin pursuing our family
history. These changes are proposed in HouseBill 1540 that may prohibit access
to vital records. As I skimmed overHB 1540 online, I soon realized that I do not
have the time to sortout all of the changes proposed. I'm writing to you
requesting if thislegislation is brought up for a vote that you will take my
opinioninto consideration when making your decision.
As president of the Shirley Historical Society, generalmanager/part-owner of the
Knightstown Banner, and complete genealogyaddict, I urge you consider that not
all access to vital records isintended to invade someone's privacy. Having
access to vital recordsallows those of us with good intentions to determine
familyrelationships and/or make accurate statements on a person's death dateor
birth date. For many of us, a copy of a birth or death certificateis are only
proof of ancestry and is often essential in gainingmembership into groups like
the Daughters of the American Revolution.
I understand the public's sensitivity to issues regarding theinvasion of the
privacy and the threat of identity theft. But, pleasetake into account the
family genealogist or the county historian whenconsidering any legislation that
might prevent our access toinformation about our own family members. I trust my
opinion, and thegood intentions of genealogists and historians in Indiana
andthroughout the country, will be considered before you agree to vote infavor
of changes to HB 1540.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Stacy Cox