Connecticut House Bill HB05339

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/14
• Refer: 2/25/14
• Report Pass: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/18/14
• Report Pass: 3/25/14
• Engrossed: 4/9/14
• Report Pass: 4/11/14
• Chaptered: 5/20/14
• Enrolled: 5/21/14
• Passed: 6/6/14

Caption

An Act Concerning The Administration Of Oaths And The Validation Of Certain Marriages.

Impact

Another significant component of HB 05339 is the validation of certain marriages. The bill specifies that marriages celebrated before a specified date may be deemed valid even if the officiant lacked the proper certification. This aims to prevent legal issues for individuals whose marriages, while ostensibly valid, might have been called into question due to administrative oversights. It addresses concerns related to the legal status of such marriages and supports the protection of familial structures in cases where partnerships have been in place for years.

Summary

House Bill 05339, also known as 'An Act Concerning The Administration Of Oaths And The Validation Of Certain Marriages', aims to redefine the authority of various public officials in administering oaths and ensure the legality of marriages that may have been wrongly officiated. The bill stipulates who can lawfully administer oaths, enumerating a range of officials including judges, clerks, and certain municipal leaders. This legislation results in a clearer legal framework concerning which individuals are authorized to administer oaths in Connecticut, thereby reinforcing the integrity of official proceedings.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 05339 appears largely positive as it addresses issues of governance that directly affect citizens' lives, particularly regarding marriage legality. Supporters advocate for the clarity and certainty the bill provides in official matters, while critics are few, primarily concerned with ensuring that there are sufficient checks on who is authorized to perform such functions. However, most discourse surrounding the bill emphasizes its practical benefits.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the scope of authority granted to local officials and how this could affect municipal practices. Questions were raised regarding the potential for misuse of authority by those administering oaths without appropriate oversight. The bill successfully passed through legislative sessions with no noted opposition, suggesting that, while there may have been concerns, they did not persist strongly enough to deter passage.