Senate OKs Archambault bill to provide public with information on mutual consent adoption registry

STATE HOUSE — The Senate today gave its approval to legislation introduced by Sen. Stephen R. Archambault (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Providence, Johnston) that would make it easier for adopted adult children and their birth parents and siblings to find each other through mutual consent.

The bill (2021-S 0901) would direct the Department of Health to provide information regarding the passive voluntary adoption reunion registry on the Department of Health’s website and in the Division of Vital Records.

“Many adults who were adopted as children want to reconnect with birth parents,” said Senator Archambault. “With the advent of genealogy websites, such as Ancestry, the interest in reuniting has become even more popular. The registry already exists. This law will make it easier for those who do wish to reunite.”

Under the provisions of the legislation, the Department of Health would be required to maintain a link on its website to information about how the registry works.

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, which has passed similar legislation (2021-H 5092) introduced by Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston).

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