SB 147 — AN ACT relating to vital records.

Summary

Amend KRS 213.136 to establish processes and procedures for requesing vital statistics records from the state or county registrar; amend KRS 213.141 to increase the fee for a certified copy of a vital statistic record to $10; establish fee exceptions; increase the fee for a certified copy of a birth record to $15; establish fee exceptions; establish that the Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall provide a copy of the Annual Lifetime Kentucky Death Report to the State Board of Elections on or before July 1 of each year; amend KRS 116.113 to conform.

Bill Text

Compared against the Kentucky Revised Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill updates the procedures and related fees for obtaining certified copies of vital records, making several modifications to existing law.

• KRS 213.136

  upon receipt of an application → upon written request from an applicant entitled to a record in accordance with administrative regulations promulgated by the cabinet

  The process for requesting records is clarified to specify it occurs through a written request instead of merely an application.

• KRS 213.136

  a certified copy of a vital record in the registrar's custody or a part thereof to any applicant → issue a certified copy of any certificate or record in the registrar's custody

  The language broadens the types of records that can be certified, not limiting it to vital records.

• KRS 213.136

  show the date of registration and copies issued from records marked "delayed" or "amended" shall be similarly marked and show the effective date. The documentary evidence used to establish a delayed certificate shall be shown on all copies issued. All forms and procedures used in the issuance of certified copies of vital records in the Commonwealth shall be provided or approved by the state registrar. → indicate the date of registration. If the record is marked "delayed" or "amended," or issued pursuant to a court order, the certified copy shall bear the same designation and include the effective date of the modification.

  Clarifies information to be included on certified copies, specifically regarding delayed and amended records.

• KRS 213.136

  for all purposes the same as → the legal equivalent of

  Standardizes the terminology regarding the legal status of certified copies.

• KRS 213.141

  Prescribe by regulation a fee not to exceed five dollars ($5) → prescribe by regulation a fee not to exceed ten dollars ($10)

  Increases the maximum allowable fee for certified copies of records or a search of files.

• KRS 213.141

  ten dollars ($10) → fifteen dollars ($15)

  Increases the maximum allowable fee for a certified copy of a record of birth.

• KRS 213.141

  No fee or compensation shall be allowed or paid for furnishing certificates of birth or death required in support of any claim against the government for compensation, insurance, back pay, or other allowances or benefits for any person who has at any time served as a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force of the United States. → No fee or compensation shall be allowed or paid for furnishing certificates of birth or death when required in support of any claim against the government for compensation, insurance, back pay, or other allowances or benefits for any person who has at any time served as a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force of the United States.

  Reformats the exemption clause for clarity without changing the intent.

• KRS 213.141

  For furnishing a certificate of death of an individual who has died in the line of duty to state or federal agencies, as defined by the applicable provisions of Kentucky Revised Statutes; → For furnishing a certificate of death to an individual who has died in the line of duty to state or federal agencies, as defined by the applicable provisions of Kentucky Revised Statutes;

  Clarifies the language used in exemptions for the fee on death certificate requests.

Action History

1. April 15, 2026

   recommitted to Appropriations & Revenue (H)

2. March 26, 2026

   floor amendments (1) and (2-title) filed

3. March 20, 2026

   2nd reading, to Rules

4. March 19, 2026

   reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar

5. March 18, 2026

   to Health Services (H)

6. March 17, 2026

   to Committee on Committees (H)

7. March 17, 2026

   received in House

8. March 13, 2026

   3rd reading, passed 38-0

9. March 12, 2026

   posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day by the Rules Committee for Friday, March 13 2026

10. March 12, 2026

    2nd reading, to Rules as a consent bill

11. March 11, 2026

    reported favorably, 1st reading, to Consent Calendar

12. March 10, 2026

    to Health Services (S)

13. February 02, 2026

    to Committee on Committees (S)

14. February 02, 2026

    introduced in Senate

Sponsors

• Craig Richardson · Primary

Votes

Subjects