Congress Considers Bill To Restrict Access to Social Security Death Index

The Massachusetts Genealogical Council's blog reports that Representative Richard Nugent of Florida recently introduced a bill in Congress, HR 6205, that would prevent public access to information in the Social Security Death Index on people who have died within the past 2 years. The only people who would be allowed to access this information would have to be "certified". According to the proposed legislation, only those who have a legitimate interest in preventing fraud could be certified.

Those with an interest in genealogy are urged to contact their representatives and voice their opinions on this bill.