During the recently concluded legislative session, genealogists across the state joined together to oppose a bill which would’ve significantly affected access to Texas birth records. Currently in Texas, a birth record is public information and available to the public 75 years after the date of birth. House Bill 703 (by Rep. Cody Harris of Hillsboro) proposed to close birth records for 125 years. I’m pleased to report that the bill did not pass.
- Genealogists and Historians from TxSGS, CTGS, AGS, and TSHA Opposed HB 703 at Committee Hearing
- The Public Health Committee Voted to Send an Amended HB 703 to the Full House for a Vote
- HB 703 Was Never Calendared for a House Vote
- Thank You, Texas Genealogists, For Your Patience and Willingness to Voice Your Opposition!
We know that the genealogical community was ready, willing and able to swamp the Legislature with communications voicing our opposition. We made a tactical decision to hold our fire early in the process. We didn’t want to communicate too early or to the wrong audience. We were prepared to mobilize our forces if the bill made it to the Senate. As it turns out, we didn’t need to do that, but knowing the breadth of support made our message all the more resonant. We found champions and supporters for our position in the House. We joined forces with the Texas State Historical Association. We were not alone in our opposition.
Once again, TxSGS demonstrated the genealogical community is a potent force in protecting access to the records that are so important to us.
Teri Flack
Chair, Records Preservation and Access Committee (RPAC)
Texas State Genealogical Society