2025 -- H 5714 SUBSTITUTE A

========

LC002117/SUB A/2

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- VITAL RECORDS

     Introduced By: Representatives Kazarian, Dawson, Voas, Alzate, Stewart, Furtado,
Giraldo, Cruz, Boylan, and Felix

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2025

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 23-3 of the General Laws entitled "Vital Records" is hereby amended

by adding thereto the following section:

     23-3-10.3. Certificate of birth -- Modification.

     A person eighteen (18) years of age or older may request that the description of the person's

race be modified or amended on their birth certificate in a manner that utilizes culturally sensitive

language and terminology. Such a request shall be made through the state office of vital records.

The department of health may promulgate rules and regulations and/or develop a process to

accommodate all reasonable requests in a manner which uses culturally sensitive language and

terminology to identify, modify and/or amend descriptions of race.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC002117/SUB A/2

========

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- VITAL RECORDS

***

     This act would provide that a person eighteen (18) years or older could request that the

description of the person's race be modified or amended on their birth certificate in a manner that

utilizes culturally sensitive language and terminology. The department of health could promulgate

rules and regulations and/or develop a process to accommodate all reasonable requests in a manner

which uses culturally sensitive language and terminology.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC002117/SUB A/2

========

LC002117/SUB A/2 - Page 2 of 2