HB465 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim HillRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Putative father registry, certain information deemed public record

Summary

HB465 would open certain information on Alabama's putative father registry to public records requests and update how paternity notices and related data are collected and shared.

What This Bill Does

It would make specific information on the putative father registry available as public records upon request, including names, dates of birth, and addresses of the putative father and biological mother, and the child's name and birth place if known (SSNs would be restricted from public disclosure). Notices of intent to claim paternity would have to include detailed information for both parents, the child, and financial data, and would be filed on a department-prescribed, signed and notarized form with address changes reported as required. The Department would provide registry data to courts on request, and the bill creates adoption-related notices and procedures; the registry would remain confidential except as allowed by the bill. Violations for false information or improper disclosure would be Class A misdemeanors, and the act would take effect October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Putative fathers and biological mothers: their information on the registry could become public and they must provide and update detailed information when filing paternity notices; they also face potential penalties for false information.
• Courts, the Department of Human Resources, and the general public: courts can access certain registry data upon request; the public can request public records for approved information; adoption proceedings are affected by required notices and communications.

Key Provisions

• Amend Section 26-10C-1 to make certain registry information a public record for public records requests, with SSNs restricted from public disclosure.
• Require notices of intent to claim paternity to include: father’s and mother’s identifying data (names, DOB, current address, aliases for mother, and SSN where applicable), child’s name and birth place, possible dates of intercourse, and the father’s income/financial information via a prescribed form.
• Create a department-prescribed form titled 'Notice of Intent to Claim Paternity,' require signatures and notarization, and mandate reporting of address changes.
• Allow revocation of a filed notice with the revoked notice deemed a nullity nunc pro tunc; allow certain evidence and notices to propagate in related proceedings, including adoptions.
• Provide that the Department may share registry information with courts on request; maintain confidentiality with limited court-ordered disclosures; establish penalties (Class A misdemeanor) for false information or improper disclosure; establish an effective date of October 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Family Law