H4165
An Act relative to parent names on birth certificates
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- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill seeks to amend Massachusetts law regarding the names listed on birth certificates. Currently, birth certificates typically only list the mother’s name. This legislation would allow for the inclusion of both parents’ names on birth certificates, regardless of their marital status or the circumstances of the birth. It aims to provide a more accurate and complete record of a child’s family.
Key provisions
- Allows both parents’ names to be listed on birth certificates.
- Applies regardless of the parents’ marital status.
- Aims to reflect the reality of diverse family structures.
- Does not require a legal order or court proceedings to update birth certificates.
Who is affected
- Parents of newborns in Massachusetts
- Children born in Massachusetts
- State vital records office
- Healthcare providers
- Legal professionals
Notable changes
- Changes the standard practice for listing parent names on birth certificates.
- Addresses potential inequities in record-keeping for families with unmarried parents.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Lindsay N. Sabadosa
Cosponsors
Lindsay N. Sabadosa
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.4165 194th (Current)
An Act relative to parent names on birth certificates
By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4165) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Erika Uyterhoeven relative to parent names on birth certificates. Public Health.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Lindsay N. Sabadosa
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill H.4165
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 5/29/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Public Health |
| 6/2/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/30/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/10/2025 from 09:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-1 |
| 3/16/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5234 |
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