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
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Judiciary Finance and Civil Law |
| March 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Judiciary 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": ""
}
]