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 proposed bill aims to clarify the court procedure in Minnesota concerning changes to vital records, specifically focusing on name and sex changes.
Main Provisions
Application Process:
- Individuals who have resided in Minnesota for six months can apply to the district court to change their name or sex, as well as the names of minor children or a spouse if applicable.
- Applicants must appear in court with two witnesses to prove their identity.
- For sex changes, applicants need a letter from a licensed physician certifying they have undergone or are undergoing clinical treatment for gender transition.
Court Order and Record Amendment:
- If an application to change sex is granted, the court will direct relevant agencies, like the Department of Health, to update the individual's birth records.
- Changes involving land interests must be filed with the county recorder and county auditor.
Name Change Reporting:
- Applicants with a criminal history must notify the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension of a name change within ten days, and the court must explain this requirement.
- Failing to report a name change can result in a gross misdemeanor.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill explicitly differentiates the proof required for a sex change on vital records by asking for medical documentation of gender transition treatment.
- It strengthens the legal requirement for individuals with criminal histories to update their records with criminal justice agencies following a name change.
Relevant Terms
- Name change
- Gender transition
- Licensed physician
- Birth records
- Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
- Gross misdemeanor
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 |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"A requirement for a letter from a licensed physician certifying treatment for gender transition."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "This bill amends the court procedure for a change of sex to vital records under section 259.10 subdivision 1.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies that a personal appearance and proof of identity by two witnesses is necessary."
]
},
"citation": "259.10",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill references the certificate of dissolution under section 518.148 as conclusive evidence.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518.148",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Instruction for the court to direct vital records agencies to amend birth records."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "This bill amends procedures related to the filing and recording of court orders for name and sex changes.",
"modified": [
"Includes requirements for criminal history checks and reporting duties for name changes."
]
},
"citation": "259.11",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This section is referenced as a potential restriction on granting a name change.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "259.13",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill states exceptions to the criminal history check requirements for name changes related to marriage licenses.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "517.08",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill states exceptions to the criminal history check requirements for name changes related to marriage dissolutions.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518.27",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill states exceptions to the criminal history check requirements for name changes.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "259.14",
"subdivision": ""
}
]