HB337 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Blaine Galliher
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Vital Records, State Registrar authorized to issue Certificate of Foreign Birth without judicial proceedings if certain criteria are satisfied, Karina's Law, Sec. 22-9A-11.1 added
Summary: Karina's Law lets the Alabama State Registrar issue a Certificate of Foreign Birth without court involvement for certain children who automatically became U.S. citizens after a foreign adoption.
What This Bill Does
It creates an exemption to the usual requirement for a judicial adoption report when the child has obtained U.S. citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act. It allows the Registrar to issue the certificate after the adoptive parents provide a specific set of documents, including a certificate of citizenship, a foreign birth certificate, original adoption documents certified by the U.S. Embassy, and the child’s Social Security card. It also requires the Registrar to develop forms for adoptive parents to request the certificate, and the act becomes law a few months after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects
Children born abroad who were adopted by U.S. citizens and automatically acquired U.S. citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act
Adoptive parents or guardians seeking a Certificate of Foreign Birth for such children
The Alabama State Registrar and the vital records office that handles birth certificates

Key Provisions
Adds 22-9A-11.1 to exempt eligible children from the court-report requirement to obtain a Certificate of Foreign Birth
Allows the State Registrar to issue a Certificate of Foreign Birth upon written request and submission of specified documents (certificate of citizenship, foreign birth certificate, original foreign adoption documents certified by the U.S. Embassy, and the child’s Social Security card)
Requires the Registrar to develop forms for adoptive parents to request the certificate
Repeals conflicting laws
Effective date: on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Vital Records