SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Two newly signed laws will bring significant changes to adoption procedures in Utah, particularly concerning access to adoption records and preplacement evaluations.
Governor Spencer Cox signed H.B. 129 (Adoption Records Access Amendments) and H.B. 141 (Adoption Modifications) as part of a broader legislative session, which saw him approve 75 bills on Monday. These measures will reshape key aspects of adoption transparency and evaluation requirements.
Greater Access to Adoption Records
Under H.B. 129, adult adoptees will have the right to access their adoption records once they turn 18—unless a court order has sealed the documents. The records available for review include:
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The adoption report
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The original birth certificate
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Findings of fact related to the adoption
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The final decree of adoption
However, birth parents (referred to as “pre-existing parents” in the law) may request that these records remain sealed. To do so, they must petition the court before the adoptee turns 18, citing potential harm as a reason. If granted, the records will be sealed for 10 years at a time, requiring renewal every decade.
Unless another law, S.B. 119, modifies these provisions, the changes are set to take effect on Nov. 1, 2025.
Updated Preplacement Evaluation Rules
Changes to preplacement evaluations—commonly known as home studies—were also signed into law under H.B. 141. The new legislation grants exemptions for specific individuals, meaning they will not be required to undergo home studies before adoption if they meet one of the following criteria:
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They were previously married to the child’s birth parent and lived with the child for at least 180 days.
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The child has resided in their home for one year or longer.
Governor’s Legislative Actions
In total, Governor Cox has now signed 176 bills into law, vetoing only one. With 405 bills still awaiting action, he faces a March 27 deadline to review the remaining legislation.
More details on these adoption changes will emerge as the state moves toward implementation .
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