Urgent Member Action Needed: Protect Access to Indiana Vital Records
19 March 2025Earlier this year, we informed you about a threat to vital records access in New York State, and thanks to so many of you sharing your concerns, we are now working with legislators to ensure continued access to these records.
We have learned of a similar legislative threat in Indiana that, if passed, would make Indiana one of the most restrictive states in the nation regarding historical birth records. House Bill 1148 (full text) just passed and it is now headed for the state Senate for consideration. The bill modifies the State’s public records law to expand the restriction on birth certificate access from 75 years to 99 years. See page 10 of the bill for the full text of the proposal.
For decades, the 75-year threshold has balanced privacy concerns with the public’s right to access historical records. Arbitrarily extending the wait to 99 years serves no clear purpose other than restricting access to our collective history. This same legislative effort was attempted in early 2024 (HB 1365) but failed in committee. Now, it has returned.
Our livelihoods depend on being able to obtain documentation like this. Together, we can fight to keep these records accessible.
What you can do:
- If you reside in the state of Indiana, contact your legislators as soon as possible. Find your representative and senator here, then contact them to demand that they reject this extension to 99 years. Let them know that historians, genealogists, and the public deserve access to their past. You can reach out by email, call the Indiana Senate at (800) 382-9467, or send mail to: Indiana Senate, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204-2786
- If you are not an Indiana resident but research records in the state, your feedback is also valuable. You can contact Governor Mike Braun, here.
- Share this issue widely. Inform your colleagues, local societies, and anyone invested in the preservation of historical records. Ensure that they reach out to their representatives and submit testimony as well!