Virginia Adoptee Rights Alliance

Restoring identity: Virginia grants adoptees access to original birth records A new development in Virginia is bringing long-awaited change for adoptees.

Today, HB 301 was officially signed into law. After four long years of work, we have restored a simple right for adult adoptees in Virginia: the ability to access their own original birth certificate.

I am so grateful to the many advocates, adoptees, and families who never gave up on this process — especially the Virginia Adoptee Rights Alliance.

And we remember our friend Mark Spain - ABC 13, whose passion helped start this journey. I only wish he were here to see it.

With the signing of HB 301 by Governor Spanberger today, Virginia becomes the 17th state to restore an adoptee's right to their original birth certificate. The new law will take effect on July 1, 2026!

https://virginiaadopteerights.org/governor-signs-hb-301-into-law/

Next step… the Governor’s desk! 🎉

#17

URGENT ACTION ALERT

Due to the motion to reconsider the passage of HB 301 today, we need as many of you as possible to continue making calls and emails to the members of the Senate.

Please thank the Senators who voted "yes" today. Encourage them to stay strong in their support of HB 301, in its current form. This is a good bill that restores the right of adult adopted people to their own vital record and ensures they are treated with dignity and equality.

Whether you make contact by phone or email, please stay respectful in your communications. We believe truth will win!

An update on today's senate vote:
After the Senate voted 33-7 to pass HB 301, a motion was made to reconsider the bill and that motion was passed. We are working to learn more details of the situation and if supporters need to take any action.

Though this was unexpected and certainly disappointing, we ask that any communication to Senators be respectful and focus on the facts of the bill, because we know that all of the facts are in our favor and that the truth will win.

Thank you for your continued support!

Original Post:
Senate meeting is live streaming now! Join to watch the vote on HB 301

Senate of Virginia: Senate Chamber on 2026-03-03 This is a live broadcast from the Senate Chamber. Find information about today's activities in the Senate Calendar on the Legislative Information System: htt...

“There is no argument against adoptee rights, except that which is invented for ulterior motives.” Tim Monti-Wohlpart

HB 301 was favorably reported by the Senate Rehab and Social Services Committee this morning 🎉 and we anticipate a Senate floor vote on Tuesday. ✅

Check the comments for a link on how you can help HB 301 achieve full passage.