Current Legislative Landscape

A long-awaited unrestricted equal rights bill for adult adoptees has been introduced in the California Senate.
YES on SB 381. Do Pass.

Long anticipated but finally introduced in the California Senate today, SB381 is an incredibly simple bill with a powerful promise. The bill strikes out discriminatory provisions in current California law and simply adds:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Registrar shall provide to an adopted person who is 18 years of age or older and who was born in this state, or to a direct line descendant of a deceased adopted person, a copy of the adopted person’s original birth certificate and any evidence of the adoption previously filed with the State Registrar.

Senator Aisha Wahab is the primary author, and the bill will be double-referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee (January 13, 2026) and the Senate Health Committee (January 14, 2026).

Letters of support are due on January 6th by 12:00 pm PST for Judiciary Committee HOW TO UPLOAD A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO JUDICIARY COMMITTEE And on January 7th by 12:00 pm PST for Health Committee HOW TO UPLOAD A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH.

This is a critical moment to show legislators how much this issue matters to our community.

How you can help right now:

• Submit a letter of support before the deadline
• Make your voice heard – legislators do read these and they become part of the official record
• Join California Alliance for Adoptee Rights (CAAR) at the Capitol Building – you’re invited to attend the hearings in person on January 13 & 14 in Sacramento.
• Thank Senator Aisha Wahab and her staff for doing what’s right re: equal rights and restorative practice for California adopted persons.

Key legislative issues include the restoration of unrestricted rights for adult adoptees to obtain their own original birth certificates, the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic barriers, and the advancement of open records legislation. Recent advocacy efforts have focused on educating lawmakers and the public about the importance of transparency and equal access to birth information.

Ongoing campaigns and coalitions are working to build support for reform, emphasizing that adoption law in California should respect the rights and dignity of all individuals. We encourage stakeholders, adoptees, birth families, advocacy groups, and legislators to stay informed and take action to support legislative change.

Get Involved: Take Action for Adoptee Rights

Your voice is essential in the movement to restore access to original birth certificates for adult adoptees in California. Join us as we advocate for legislative reform, educate the public, and support those affected by outdated adoption laws.

Contact your legislators to express support for open records legislation and equal rights for adoptees. Sharing your personal story or concerns can make a significant impact in driving change.

Stay informed about current developments and access resources to deepen your understanding of adoption reform. Together, we can work towards a more just and transparent system for all Californians. Explore ways to participate, learn more, and join our community.

Sign the petition at Change.Org. https://chng.it/nrymfFfrhq.