HB39 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jim HillRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Putative father registry; certain information available to attorneys for adoption purposes
Summary: HB39 would require the Department of Human Resources to share specific putative father registry information with licensed attorneys for certain adoption cases, update how the registry works, and strengthen confidentiality and notice procedures.
What This Bill Does
The bill expands who can access the putative father registry by allowing a licensed attorney to obtain certain information for adoption petitions, and it sets detailed contents for what must be listed in notices of paternity. It also creates forms and rules for filing notices, revoking notices, and updating addresses, while keeping the registry confidential except as allowed. It requires DHR to notify courts and the biological mother when an adoption is pending and a putative father has registered, and it imposes penalties for false information or improper disclosure.

Who It Affects
Putative fathers and mothers listed in the registry, whose identifying information is collected and may be used in adoption cases and subject to confidentiality rules.
Licensed attorneys and courts handling adoptions, who may request and use registry information under limited conditions, supported by DHR disclosures and notices.

Key Provisions
DHR must provide selected registry information to licensed attorneys upon request for limited adoption-related purposes, and to courts.
The registry will include names, SSN, dates of birth, and addresses for specified categories of individuals connected to paternity determinations and acknowledgments.
New notices and forms are created, including a 'Notice of Intent to Claim Paternity' form and procedures for filing, updating, and revoking notices, with confidentiality requirements.
DHR must notify the court handling an adoption and the putative father/mother when an eligible adoption is involved and the father has registered in the registry.
Confidentiality is preserved; disclosures beyond court orders for good cause are restricted, with penalties for false information or improper release.
Effective date is October 1, 2025.

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