Obtaining genealogical and certified vital records from the New York State Department of Health (DOH) is already subject to long wait times. Now, the New York State Fiscal Year 2025-26 Executive Budget Proposal by Governor Kathy Hochul includes a bill that would amend the current public health law regarding access to and fees for New York State vital records, which will make access even more difficult.
The New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B) has put together a resource page to inform New Yorkers, genealogical and historical organizations, and the wider family history community about the bill’s impact.
Under the proposed bill (Part U — Digitize Genealogical Records Bill):
- The requirement for the Department of Health (DOH) to maintain indices of submitted birth and death records would be eliminated.
- The DOH Commissioner would determine “the means and methods by which certain genealogical records may be released to an application” such as:
- Birth records at 125 years old when the person is known to be deceased;
- Death records at least 75 years old;
- Marriage (and dissolution of marriage) records at least 100 years old (when both parties are known to be deceased);
- Fees for certificates of births and deaths would increase from $30 to $45;
- The DOH would be allowed to impose a $50 per hour fee for retrieving and processing requests for records used in genealogical research;
- and increase the priority processing fee from $15 to $30.
On February 11, 2025, the New York State Senate is holding a Joint Legislative Public Hearing on 2025 Executive Budget Proposal (Topic Health/Medicaid) to open this proposal to public review, in which individuals and organizations may submit in-person testimony and/or written testimony about the Executive Budget proposal and make their voices heard.
The NYG&B has submitted a request to testify in person at the hearing on February 11, 2025, is also submitting written testimony and is encouraging both individuals and organizations to share their views and submit written testimony as well in time for the hearing.
The Society has created a webpage to provide more information and how to have your voice heard here.
Source link
