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Oregon Measure 58, Original Birth Certificates for Adoptees Initiative (1998)

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Oregon Measure 58

Flag of Oregon.png

Election date

November 3, 1998

Topic
Family-related policy
Status

ApprovedApproved

Type
Initiated state statute
Origin

Citizens



Oregon Measure 58 was on the ballot as an initiated state statute in Oregon on November 3, 1998. It was approved.

A "yes" vote supported allowing an adopted person 21 years of age or older to obtain a copy of their original birth certificate.

A "no" vote opposed allowing an adopted person 21 years of age or older to obtain a copy of their original birth certificate.


Election results

Oregon Measure 58

Result Votes Percentage

Approved Yes

621,832 57.37%
No 462,084 42.63%
Results are officially certified.
Source


Text of measure

Ballot title

The ballot title for Measure 58 was as follows:

REQUIRES ISSUING COPY OF ORIGINAL OREGON BIRTH CERTIFICATE TO ADOPTEES

RESULT OF “YES" VOTE: “Yes” vote requires issuing copy of original Oregon birth certificate to adult adoptees upon request.

RESULT OF “NO” VOTE: “No" vote retains confidentiality of original Oregon birth certificate of adoptees unless court orders disclosure.

SUMMARY: Current Oregon law provides that upon decree of adoption, a new birth certificate generally will be substituted for the original birth certificate, and the original certificate showing birth parent information will not be subject to inspection, unless a court orders disclosure. Measure would require state registrar to issue certified copy of original birth certificate to any Oregon born adopted person 21 years old or older. Establishes same procedures, filing fees and waiting periods for obtaining birth certificate copies for adopted persons as for non-adopted persons.

ESTIMATE OF FINANCIAL IMPACT: No financial effect on state or local government expenditures or revenues.

Full Text

The full text of this measure is available here.


Path to the ballot

See also: Signature requirements for ballot measures in Oregon

An initiated state statute is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends state statute. There are 21 states that allow citizens to initiate state statutes, including 14 that provide for direct initiatives and nine (9) that provide for indirect initiatives (two provide for both). An indirect initiated state statute goes to the legislature after a successful signature drive. The legislatures in these states have the option of approving the initiative itself, rather than the initiative appearing on the ballot.

In Oregon, the number of signatures required for an initiated state statute is equal to 6% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.

See also


External links

Footnotes