CHAPTER 47

SB 461 – FINAL VERSION

2008 SESSION

08-2642

05/09

SENATE BILL 461

AN ACT relative to accessibility of genealogical records to the public.

SPONSORS: Sen. D'Allesandro, Dist 20

COMMITTEE: Public and Municipal Affairs

ANALYSIS

This bill clarifies and updates the law regarding when a vital record becomes part of the public domain.

This bill is a request of the department of state.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

08-2642

05/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eight

AN ACT relative to accessibility of genealogical records to the public.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

47:1 Vital Records; Disclosure of Information to Genealogists. Amend RSA 5-C:105, I to read as follows:

I.(a) Birth records [prior to 1901] more than 100 years old and death, marriage, and divorce records [prior to 1948] more than 50 years old shall be considered part of the public domain.

(b) By April 1 of each year, the division shall release public domain records that became public during the previous calendar year.

47:2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.

Approved: May 12, 2008

Effective Date: May 12, 2008