AN ACT CONCERNING PROBATE COURT OPERATIONS.

SB 1501 streamlines probate court processes related to birth certificates and court order modifications. It creates a clear pathway for parents unable to file birth certificates (e.g., for out-of-hospital births) to petition probate courts, requiring affidavits and allowing genetic testing for parentage determination at the petitioner’s expense (with indigent cost coverage). The bill also clarifies when probate courts may reconsider or modify orders - such as for clerical errors, missing parties, or consent - while limiting modifications to assets distributed before a reconsideration hearing. This affects parents seeking birth certificates and probate courts handling these proceedings.