DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 390 Original 2018 Regular Session Emerson
Abstract: Repeals the 72-hour waiting period before conducting a marriage ceremony.
Present law (R.S. 9:241) provides that an officiant may not perform a marriage ceremony until 72
hours have elapsed since the issuance of the marriage license.
Present law (R.S. 9:242(A)) authorizes a judge, justice of the peace, or retired justice of the peace
authorized to perform the marriage to waive the 72-hour delay upon application of the parties giving
serious and meritorious reasons.
Present law (R.S. 9:242(B)) authorizes any officiant performing marriage ceremonies in the parish
of Orleans to waive the 72-hour delay for nonresident parties upon application of the parties giving
serious and meritorious reasons.
Present law (R.S. 9:243) provides that an officiant who violates the 72-hour waiting period, other
than a judge, justice of the peace, or an officiant authorized to perform marriage ceremonies in the
parish of Orleans, may have his authority to perform marriage ceremonies revoked by the state
registrar of vital records, which revocation may not exceed one year.
Proposed law repeals present law (R.S. 9:241-243)
(Repeals R.S. 9:241-243)