SB 1317 - This act seeks to improve access to vital records compiled by the Department of Health and Senior Services. Current law requires a signature on vital records prescribed by physicians, hospitals, and funeral homes. This act allows physicians, hospitals, and funeral homes to either sign the vital record or submit it electronically in a process approved by the Department.

Reproductions of vital records must be of durable material, must accurately reproduce the original records, and must be retained in accordance with the standards of the State Records Commission. Birth records over ninety years old and death records over fifty years old shall be transferred to the Missouri State Archives and may be disclosed upon request. However, disclosure will not include original sealed birth records.

The fee for copies of vital records is increased from ten dollars to thirteen dollars. For every vital record fee collected, three dollars will go to the Public Health Services Fund and, upon appropriation, will be used for automating Missouri's vital records system and developing an electronic birth and death registration system. The electronic birth and death registration system will be implemented by December 31, 2008.
LORIE TOWE