Vital Records Access and Legislative Advocacy
In a significant victory for genealogists and public records advocates, Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed the contentious “Part U” provision from New York State’s proposed FY 2026 budget. Part U would have severely restricted access to historical birth, death, and marriage records, imposing longer restricted waiting periods and higher fees. Although this provision was not enacted into law, the broader struggle to modernize and improve access to New York’s vital records continues.
What Part U Proposed and Why It Was Vetoed
Part U was a proposal included in New York’s 2026 budget that would have made it significantly harder to access important historical records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates. It aimed to remove public lists of these records, increase the wait time before old birth records become available to 125 years, and raise fees for obtaining copies. These changes alarmed genealogists and people who rely on public records for research.
With the help of strong public opposition—including thousands of letters, petitions, and testimonies—Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed Part U in May 2025. The decision was made to balance public access with privacy concerns.
Ongoing Challenges Despite Part U Veto
Despite the veto of Part U, New York State’s vital records system continues to face ongoing challenges. Current issues include long wait times, multi-year backlogs, and outdated processes that impact timely access to documents. Advocacy organizations, such as the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B) and Reclaim the Records, are advocating for legislative reforms to address these challenges.
Active NY Legislative Efforts to Improve Vital Records Access
With the removal of Part U from consideration, attention shifts to several active bills in the New York State Legislature that focus on improving access to vital records. Key proposals include:
NY Senate Bill S.7782 / Assembly Bill A.8314
Goal: Digitize and index genealogical records
Impact: Requires the Department of Health to contract with a qualified organization to scan and index historical birth, death, and marriage records
Benefit: Improves public access and reduces staff burden at the Department of Health
Cost to state: None — digitization would be funded externally
NY Assembly Bill A.10677
Goal: Expand access to certified copies
Impact: Allows children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of a deceased individual to request certified records without a court order
Benefit: Removes a legal barrier for family history researchers and descendants
NY Assembly Bill A.8214
Goal: Lower financial barriers
Impact: Creates an 18-month window where certain records can be obtained free of charge
Benefit: Makes records more accessible to a broader range of individuals, especially during times of financial hardship
Impact on New York City Vital Records
While Part U would have affected records managed by the New York State Department of Health, it did not apply to New York City vital records, which are governed by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Vital events occurring within New York City remain subject to local city laws and regulations.
Although the veto does not alter New York City’s vital records policies directly, similar access challenges persist, including delays and limited online availability. These shared issues highlight the need for coordinated reform at both the city and state levels.
Continued Advocacy for Improved Vital Records Access
Even with the veto of Part U, New York State’s vital records system still experiences lengthy delays. Genealogical requests to the state Department of Health may take between two to five years for processing, with the COVID-19 pandemic and slow modernization efforts contributing to these delays.
The focus on improving not just access, but also the efficiency of the process is essential. Vital records should not only be available but also provided promptly. Current challenges include lengthy processing times and a reliance on paper systems, as well as a need for greater transparency.
There remains the possibility that restrictive provisions similar to those in Part U could re-emerge in future state budgets. This situation underscores the importance of ongoing public involvement and advocacy.
The proposed reform bills highlight potential paths for improvement, promoting digital access, legal access, and affordability in obtaining vital records. Sustained public support and momentum in the legislative process will be necessary to navigate challenges related to bureaucratic processes and funding.
A Victory That Opens the Door to Further Reform
The veto of Part U signifies a pivotal moment for genealogists, historians, and advocates for public access to New York State’s vital historical records. This decision not only highlights the challenges faced in reforming the vital records system but also underscores the ongoing need for transparency and efficiency in accessing essential documentation. The introduction of reform bills is a promising step towards a more accessible vital records system, benefiting both residents in New York City and those throughout the state.
For individuals eager to trace their family history or obtain necessary vital documentation, services like Vital Records Online provide a convenient and efficient means to request certificates. This platform empowers users to navigate the complexities of requesting birth, death, and marriage certificates more easily, ensuring that important historical records are within reach.
Continued advocacy and legislative efforts will be crucial to further enhancing access to vital records, allowing more people to explore their heritage and confirm personal histories. Public access to these records remains a priority, and the push for reform will hopefully lead to more streamlined processes that honor the interests of the community.