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SB 1267

Adoption - As enacted, changes from 21 to 18 the age at which certain adoption records must be made available to certain adopted persons; makes various other changes regarding adoption records. - Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 1, Part 1.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee lowers adoption records access age from 21 to 18, enabling adopted adults to obtain their own records at legal age of majority with additional unspecified statutory changes.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 79
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Bill Summary · SB 1267

Legislative bill overview

SB 1267 lowers the age at which adopted persons in Tennessee can access their own adoption records from 21 to 18 years old. The bill makes various additional modifications to Tennessee's adoption records statutes (TCA Title 36, Chapter 1, Part 1), though the specific nature of these other changes is not detailed in the bill summary provided.

Why is this important

Adoption records access affects adopted individuals' ability to learn about their biological history, medical background, and identity. Lowering the age threshold from 21 to 18 aligns with the legal age of majority in most contexts and recognizes that adopted adults at 18 may have legitimate needs to access information about themselves without waiting until 21.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns for birth parents: Biological parents who placed children for adoption under confidentiality agreements may not expect records to be accessible to 18-year-olds, potentially creating unwanted contact situations
  • Scope of "various other changes" unclear: The bill summary does not specify what other modifications to adoption law are included, making it difficult to assess full legislative impact
  • Implementation timeline: Institutions maintaining adoption records may need resources and time to implement new age-eligibility procedures and counsel younger adults accessing sensitive information

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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