Stay Informed on California Adoptee Rights Law
Get the latest updates on open records legislation, advocacy initiatives, and opportunities to support adoptee rights across California.
Current Legislative Landscape
A long-awaited unrestricted equal rights bill for adult adoptees has been introduced in the California Senate.
Result:
Passed 35 – 0
January 27, 2026
Senator Wahab’s Senate Address & Senate Vote
Long anticipated, SB 381 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, with coauthors Senators Archuleta, Ashby, Blakespear, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, McGuire, McNerney, Ochoa Bogh, Pérez, Richardson, Smallwood-Cuevas, Valladares and Wiener. Coauthors: Assembly Members Haney and Ortega.
The bill is now scheduled to be heard in the California State Assembly.
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 each of the assigned committee the deadlines
- Make your voice heard – legislators do read these and they become part of the official record
- Comment at Legiscan. Urge support and AYE votes.
- 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.
Key Legislative Dates & Events
Stay informed on upcoming SB 381 hearings, bill deadlines, and advocacy opportunities impacting adoptee rights and open records legislation in California.
NOTE: Updated when we are notified by Senator Wahab’s office.
Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
January 2026 Senate History | 1/5 – SB 381 Re-introduced by Senator Wahab; Referred to Judiciary Committee Hearing 1/13 (Passed 13-0); Referred to Health Committee Hearing 1/14 (Passed 7-0); Referred to Appropriations Committee Hearing 1/20 (Placed in Suspense File); Appropriations Committee Suspense Hearing 1/22 (Passed 7-0); Senate Second Reading 1/26 | N/A |
1/27 | Senate Floor Vote (Passed 35-0) | N/A |
1/27 | In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk | N/A |
Pending | Assembly committee votes; Full Assembly Floor Vote | |
Pending | Governor’s Signature |
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.
