The New York Genealogical & Biographical Society has shared the following information regarding potential changes in how researchers’ access to New York vital records may change in the coming months and how you can take action to stop these changes.
The New York State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025-26 Executive Budget Proposal includes a bill that would amend the current public health law regarding access to and fees for New York State vital records. Under the proposed bill (Summary: Part U—Digitize Genealogical Records Bill) the following would occur:
*The requirement for the 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 and 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 the Executive Budget Proposal: Topic Health/Medicaid to open this proposal to public review. The NYG&B has submitted a request to testify in person at the hearing and is also submitting written testimony.
You can take action too. Individuals and organizations can share their views and submit written testimony. For information on how to submit written testimony, go to: https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/blog/call-action-regarding-access-new-york-state-vital-records