(a) To protect the integrity of vital statistics records, to ensure their proper use, and to ensure the efficient and proper administration of the vital statistics system, it is unlawful for a person to permit inspection of or to disclose information contained in vital statistics records, or to copy or issue a copy of all or part of a record, except as provided by this section or as authorized by regulations issued under this chapter. Regulations issued under this chapter may not authorize inspection, disclosure, or copying of all or part of any report or record received under AS 18.50.245, except that the statistical report prepared under AS 18.50.245(d) may be copied and distributed.

(b) The bureau may permit the use of data contained in vital statistics records, other than reports of induced terminations of pregnancy, for research purposes.

(c) Information in vital statistics records indicating that a birth occurred out of wedlock may not be disclosed except upon order of a superior court or as provided by regulations.

(d) Appeals from decisions of the custodians of local records refusing disclosure under (a) and (b) of this section shall be made to the state registrar, whose decision is binding upon the custodian of local records.

(e) The department may by regulation provide for the release of information, other than information in reports of induced terminations of pregnancy, to authorized representatives of organizations or foundations that counsel the next of kin of victims of sudden infant death syndrome.

(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of AS 40.25.120, when 100 years have elapsed after the date of a birth, or 50 years have elapsed after the date of a death, marriage, divorce, dissolution of marriage, or annulment, the records of these events in the custody of the state registrar become public records subject to inspection and copying as provided in AS 40.25.110 - 40.25.140.

(g) The principal health officer of a municipality, or a municipal health officer designated by the principal health officer, may inspect vital statistics records pertinent to the functions of the principal health officer. The state registrar may enter into an agreement with a municipality governing the conditions and purposes of those inspections.

(h) Marriage license applications shall be open for public inspection or examination during normal business hours. The bureau may, in response to a request under AS 25.27.300, disclose to the child support services agency whether the bureau has a record indicating that a person has remarried after the date specified by the agency.

(i) In this section, “principal health officer” means the municipal official who is exercising health powers and who is primarily responsible for public health in the municipality.