Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB527

Introduced
3/29/23  

Caption

To Impose Additional Requirements For Entering Into And Dissolving A Covenant Marriage.

Impact

The amendments proposed in SB 527 change the legal landscape for marriages in Arkansas, introducing additional hurdles for couples wishing to enter into covenant marriages. These changes are designed to emphasize the seriousness of a covenant marriage as a lifelong commitment, making it more challenging to dissolve such a marriage. This shift may alter the perception of marriage in the state and potentially reduce the number of couples opting for covenant marriages due to the increased prerequisites.

Summary

Senate Bill 527 seeks to amend the Covenant Marriage Act of 2001 by implementing stricter requirements for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages in Arkansas. One of the key provisions of the bill mandates that clerks provide prospective applicants with comprehensive information about covenant marriage, including a copy of the Covenant Marriage Act, and specialized counseling to help couples understand their commitment. Additionally, the bill outlines that couples must undergo a minimum of four premarital counseling sessions with an authorized counselor before their marriage can be recognized as a covenant marriage.

Contention

The bill will likely be met with debate regarding its implications on individual freedom in choosing marriage types and the requirement for extensive counseling. Supporters argue that enhanced counseling ensures couples are better prepared for the challenges of marriage. However, opponents may contend it imposes undue restrictions on personal choices and could lead to misunderstandings about the nature of marital commitments, especially within the context of contemporary familial structures.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SB37

An Act For The Department Of Education - Arkansas School For The Blind And Arkansas School For The Deaf Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB44

An Act For The Department Of Health - Licensing And Regulation Boards Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1013

An Act For The Department Of Corrections - Division Of Correction Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB19

An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Division Of Medical Services Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

Similar Bills

CA SB273

Marriage and domestic partnership: minors.

LA HB738

Provides relative to notice of certain expenses under the Covenant of Marriage Act

TX HB1673

Relating to the creation and dissolution of a covenant marriage.

TX HB931

Relating to the creation and dissolution of a covenant marriage.

MO SB1117

Establishes procedures for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages

MO SB769

Establishes procedures for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages

MO SB1234

Establishes procedures for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages

MO SB258

Establishes procedures for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages