An Act relative to birth certificate changes

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Manny Cruz

The bill requires clerks to update a minor’s birth record within 30 days of receiving a court decree and to provide the parents with a free certified copy.

Summary: An Act relative to birth certificate changes (House Docket No. 3791)

Purpose

This bill would streamline and formalize how a minor’s birth record is updated after a court clears a change of name for that minor. Specifically, it requires timely action by town clerks and prompt notice to parents, ensuring the corrected birth record reflects the minor’s new name.

Key Provisions

Section 13 of Chapter 46 (birth records)

Adds subsection (m): Within 30 days of receiving a certified decree of change of name for a minor (per Chapter 210, Section 12), the city or town clerk must correct, amend, or supplement the minor’s birth record in their office.
The clerk must provide the parents with a free certified copy of the corrected, amended, or supplemented birth record.

Section 12 of Chapter 210 (change of name for a minor)

Adds a new paragraph: Within 30 days of granting a petition for a change of name for a minor, the court must send a certified decree of change of name to the city or town clerk where the minor’s birth occurred.

Who Would Be Affected

Minors undergoing a legal name change (via court petition) and their parents/guardians.

City/town clerks responsible for maintaining birth records.

Courts handling minor name-change petitions.

Timeline and Procedural Details

Court action: After a minor’s name change is granted, the court must transmit the certified decree of change of name to the appropriate birth-record clerk within 30 days.

Clerks’ action: Upon receipt of the decree, clerks have up to 30 days to update the minor’s birth record and provide a free certified copy to the parents.

Relationship to Existing Law

Amends:

Chapter 46, Section 13 (adds subsection (m)).
Chapter 210, Section 12 (adds a new paragraph about timely transmission of the decree).

Builds on existing processes for name changes and birth-record maintenance, creating a near-term requirement to align vital records with court orders.

Potential Impact and Considerations

Improves accuracy and timeliness of birth records following minor name changes.

Reduces administrative lag between court order and the official birth record.

Ensures parents receive a free certified copy of the updated birth record.

Could involve operational adjustments for clerks to handle expedited updates and copying.

No funding or effective date is specified in the available text; details on implementation or appeals are not included in the bill text.

Status and Background

Bill introduced in the 194th General Court (2025-2026).

House Docket No. 3791; presented by Rep. Manny Cruz (Salem, 7th Essex).

Filed January 17, 2025 (House No. 3955 reference in the text). The user-provided date of November 29, 2025 appears to be inconsistent with the official filing date in the bill text.