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H 4165

An Act relative to parent names on birth certificates

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Lindsay Sabadosa and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill allows parents to list their chosen names on birth certificates to accommodate non-traditional families and parental arrangements.

Accompanied a study order, see H5234
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Bill Summary · H 4165

Legislative bill overview

H 4165 would allow parents to list their chosen names on Massachusetts birth certificates, rather than being restricted to biological or legal designations. The bill aims to provide flexibility for non-traditional family structures, including same-sex couples, adoptive parents, and others who may not have biological connections to children they are raising.

Why is this important

Birth certificates are foundational legal documents used for school enrollment, healthcare, passport applications, and establishing parental rights. Current restrictions can create bureaucratic obstacles for families that don't fit traditional biological parent categories and may not accurately reflect actual family relationships or parental roles.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and verification concerns: How the state verifies parentage claims without biological or legal documentation, and whether this could complicate inheritance, custody, or Social Security benefits determinations
  • Interstate and federal recognition: Whether other states and federal agencies (Social Security, passport services) will recognize Massachusetts birth certificates listing non-biologically related parents
  • Child welfare safeguards: Whether current procedures adequately protect children from fraudulent claims of parentage or from adults obtaining parental designation without proper vetting

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

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