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Archiver > APG > 2003-02 > 1044357046


From: "Alvie L. Davidson CGRS" <>
Subject: [APG] Indiana Vital Records Law Proposed !!!!!!
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 2003 03:10:46 -0800 (PST)


Hello list,

I received this email from the Indiana Genealogical Society regarding a bill to restrict access to vital records in Indiana for 100 years after the date of the record, unless you are the person named in the record, or a offspring of the person. I have been trying to translate the legalese and part of the bill seems to forbid ANY information to be given from a birth or death record unless you are the person on the record or offspring. I have emailed the bill author, may be something to watch and see what happens with the bill.


Alvie L. Davidson CGRS


Dear Roots Member,

Indiana's legislature will meet at 10:30 am on Wednesday, February 5th to discuss House Bill 1540 which would go into effect on July 1st. If passed, the bill could deny genealogists access to Indiana vital records. Access to vital records less than 100 years old would be restricted to the person named on the record or their immediate relative.

The bill is sponsored by Peggy Welch of Bloomington and has the support of the Indiana State Registrar's Association. Currently access is limited to vital records less 72 years old.

The Indiana Genealogical Society is alarmed by this bill and passed a resolution at their meeting on February 1st to send to the legislature. We are urging any and all genealogists concerned with keeping public records open to contact the members of the House's Committee on Public Health and tell them to vote NO on HB 1540.

In passing this resolution, the Indiana Genealogical Society is mounting a letter writing, emailing, phone calling campaign to these legislators. I hope that this issue be voted down. It is important that the genealogical, and family historian community be heard.

I have a letter already written to the office of Rep Peggy Welch concerning this matter.

Thank you for your support.




Alvie L. Davidson CGRS
Lakeland, Florida
http://www.floridadetective.net
"Keep smiling and keep 'em guessing what you are up to!"


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