Legislation that allows for birth certificate errors to be corrected signed into law
STATE HOUSE — Legislation sponsored by House Majority Whip Katherine S. Kazarian and Sen. Robert Britto to allow adults to modify their birth certificates with culturally sensitive language has been signed into law.
Robert Britto
“A person’s birth certificate should accurately reflect their race, not their perceived race at the time of their birth. This bill gives Rhode Islanders the opportunity to change language on their birth certificate so that they can correct any inaccuracies and ensure that their race is marked properly.
It is an easy fix that uses our modern-day technology to allow for better services for the people living in our state,” said Whip Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence, Pawtucket).
“No one should have to live with an inaccurate birth certificate. This is a common-sense bill that will correct vital records which contain false information, and as a Cape Verdean Rhode Islander myself, I am proud to sponsor this bill that will help my fellow Cape Verdean residents correct the misinformed and ignorant mistakes of the past,” said Senator Britto (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket).
“This bill holds deep meaning for me and others whose birth certificates reflect racial labels based on visual assumptions, not cultural or ethnic accuracy,” said Lucy Rose, a supporter who worked closely with Whip Kazarian and Senator Britto on the legislation.
“For Cape Verdean families like mine, those designations were rooted in a flawed racial system and have caused decades of misrepresentation. Providing a process for correction is a long-overdue step toward dignity, accuracy and legacy. I’m grateful to Whip Kazarian for recognizing the importance of honoring our true identities.”
Katherine S. Kazarian
The legislation (2025-H 5714A, 2025-S 1006A) allows persons 18 years or older to request that the description of their race be modified or amended on their birth certificate in a manner that utilizes culturally sensitive language and terminology. The request will be made through the State Office of Vital Records. The legislation also allows the Department of Health to promulgate rules and regulations, and/or develop a process, to accommodate all reasonable requests in a manner which uses culturally sensitive language and terminology to identify, modify and/or amend descriptions of race on vital records.