Bill
A 8314
Overview: Bill Number: A 8314, Title: Requires the department of health to enter into a contract for the digitalization and indexing of certain vital records, Status: SUBSTITUTED B
Overview: Bill Number: A 8314, Title: Requires the department of health to enter into a contract for the digitalization and indexing of certain vital records, Status: SUBSTITUTED BY S7782A, Introduced: May 13, 2025
Purpose and Intent: This bill aims to modernize the management and accessibility of vital records, such as birth and death certificates, maintained by the New York State Department of Health. The goal is to create a comprehensive digital archive of these important documents, making them more easily accessible to the public and government agencies.
Key Provisions:
- Directs the Department of Health to enter into a contract with a qualified vendor to digitize and index all vital records in its possession.
- Requires the vendor to create a searchable, online database of the digitized records that can be accessed by the public and authorized government entities.
- Mandates that the digitization process be completed within a specified timeframe, such as 2 years.
- Authorizes the Department of Health to charge reasonable fees for public access to the digital vital records database.
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- New York State residents who need to access their own or their family members' vital records, who will benefit from the improved availability and convenience of the digital archive.
- Government agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Social Services, that rely on vital records for various administrative purposes, who will have faster and more efficient access to the necessary documentation.
- The Department of Health, which will be responsible for overseeing the digitization project and maintaining the online database.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The original bill (A 8314) has been substituted by a similar bill (S7782A), which is currently under consideration in the State Senate. If passed, the Department of Health would likely be required to initiate the digitization contract and implementation process within a specified timeframe, such as 6 months to 1 year.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
