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HF2734 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Court procedure clarified for a change of sex to vital records.

Related bill: SF3018

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to clarify and update the procedures involved in changing a person's sex designation on vital records in the state of Minnesota. It addresses the process for legal name changes and changes to a person's sex as recorded in official documents.

Main Provisions

  • Application Process: Individuals who have lived in Minnesota for at least six months can apply for a name or sex change with the district court in their county.
  • Requirements: Applicants for a sex change must provide a letter from a licensed physician verifying they have received or are undergoing clinical treatment for gender transition.
  • Parental Notification: If a minor's name is being changed, both parents must be notified unless impracticable as determined by the court.
  • Court's Role: The court will grant the application unless it finds intent to defraud, a statutory prohibition exists, or a change is not in the best interests of a minor.
  • Vital Records Update: If the sex change is approved, the court orders an update of the individual's birth record and other applicable documentation by the Department of Health or relevant agency.

Significant Changes

  • Individuals can now apply to change not just their name, but also their legally recognized sex.
  • The requirement for physician verification for a sex change adds a formal medical component to the application process.
  • The bill outlines specific procedural steps regarding criminal history checks for name changes, including the need to report approved changes to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Relevant Terms

  • Change of sex
  • Vital records
  • Gender transition
  • Physician verification
  • Name change
  • Criminal history check
  • Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 24, 2025HouseActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toJudiciary Finance and Civil Law

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement to provide a letter from a licensed physician for gender transition."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill clarifies court procedures for changing sex on vital records under section 259.10 subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Court procedures for identity verification and application processing."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "259.10",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references section 518.148 to confirm certificate of dissolution as conclusive evidence.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "518.148",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Guidelines for directing vital records amendment by the Department of Health."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the procedures for filing court orders related to name or sex changes under section 259.11.",
      "modified": [
        "Court order filing and recording protocols, including fees and notification requirements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "259.11",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill acknowledges conditions under which section 259.13 may prohibit granting a name change.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "259.13",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill notes an exemption from criminal history checks when changing a name as part of a marriage license application under section 517.08.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "517.08",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill notes an exemption from criminal history checks when changing a name in conjunction with a marriage dissolution under section 518.27.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "518.27",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill provides an exemption for name change criminal history checks under section 259.14.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "259.14",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors