Extends the term of the Task Force on Benefits of Marriage and Incentives for Premarital Counseling and Pre-Divorce Counseling.
The bill seeks to reinforce the state's commitment to reducing divorce rates and enhancing the success of marriages through education and counseling. By learning from existing programs in other states, the task force will evaluate what initiatives could be tailored for Louisiana’s social and cultural context. This move to enhance relationship education aims to address not only the emotional aspects of marriage but also the practical skills necessary for maintaining healthy relationships. As the task force continues its work, it anticipates generating actionable strategies and legislative proposals by the deadline of December 30, 2022.
SCR73 is a legislative resolution aimed at extending the term of the Task Force on Benefits of Marriage and Incentives for Premarital Counseling and Pre-Divorce Counseling in Louisiana. This task force was originally created to explore the benefits of marriage, the impact of premarital counseling on reducing divorce rates, and to propose policy recommendations. The extension allows for continued study into how these programs can be effectively implemented in Louisiana, while drawing upon successful models from other states, notably Texas, which offers structured premarital education courses as part of their Healthy Marriage Program.
General sentiment regarding SCR73 appears to be supportive of efforts that promote marriage stability and provide couples with the necessary tools to resolve conflicts and improve communication. Legislative discussions underscore a recognition of the potential social benefits that could arise from stronger marital relationships, such as reduced economic strain and improved family dynamics. However, underlying concerns about the effectiveness of mandated counseling classes, or potential stigmas attached to seeking help, have not been overlooked, evidenced by discussions highlighting the importance of voluntary participation in such programs.
While SCR73 does not seem to face significant public opposition, points of contention might arise around how effective such a task force can be in actually reducing divorce rates, as past initiatives have seen mixed results. Critics may question the allocation of state resources to the task force if results do not materialize, as well as the implications of integrating marriage education into public policy. Furthermore, the debate about the state’s role in private matters such as marriage, counseling, and relationship education may also be points of discussion among legislators and constituents alike.