Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1668

Introduced
2/1/21  

Caption

Marriages; providing for covenant marriages; effective date.

Impact

The bill will modify how Oklahoma law handles marriage and divorce by setting distinct grounds for divorce specific to covenant marriages, including adultery, felony convictions, and situations involving abuse. Importantly, a covenant marriage does not permit easy divorce as is commonly practiced; instead, couples must demonstrate efforts toward reconciliation and prove that they pursued counseling. This change in legislation could lead to fewer divorces among couples in covenant marriages, as it emphasizes commitment and resolution through counseling before dissolution of the marriage.

Summary

House Bill 1668 proposes the establishment of covenant marriages in Oklahoma, aiming to enhance the commitment involved in marriages by adding a layer of counseling and bequeathing lifelong obligations to couples who choose this type of union. To initiate a covenant marriage, couples must declare their intent when applying for a marriage license and undergo premarital counseling that focuses on the responsibilities and nature of marriage. This bill amends existing marriage laws to include specific provisions and requirements for couples opting for covenant marriages, such as a notarized affidavit confirming completion of counseling.

Contention

While proponents argue that covenant marriages create a stronger societal foundation by ensuring that couples are better prepared for the challenges of marital life, critics raise concerns about the potential implications for personal freedoms, suggesting that such requirements may overly complicate an already difficult process. There are fears that the bill may also create disparities in how marriages are legally perceived, potentially leading to stigmatization of traditional marriages in comparison to covenant marriages.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB228

Covenant marriage; creating the Covenant Marriage Act of Oklahoma; establishing requirements for entering covenant marriage; providing tax credit for covenant marriage. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1117

Establishes procedures for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages

OK SB1234

Establishes procedures for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages

OK SB258

Establishes procedures for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages

OK SB769

Establishes procedures for entering into and dissolving covenant marriages

OK HB931

Relating to the creation and dissolution of a covenant marriage.

OK HB1673

Relating to the creation and dissolution of a covenant marriage.

OK HB547

Relating to the creation and dissolution of a covenant marriage.

OK SB527

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

OK HB3974

Marriage; modifying procedures for certain minor marriage license applicants; prohibiting marriages for persons under a certain age; effective date.

Similar Bills

OK SB1566

Schools; removing language creating a misdemeanor for making a false statement on certain affidavit to establish residency. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB410

Sales and use tax; modifying time period during which qualified purchase may be eligible for refund. Emergency.

OK HB1497

Property; prohibiting certain ownership of land through business entity or trust; modifying exception to certain ownership requirements; effective date.

OK HB3623

State government; powers and duties of the State Purchasing Director; requiring

OK HB3403

Oil and gas; waste water; effective date.

OK SB1534

Property; prohibiting certain ownership of land; establishing Citizen Land Ownership Unit of the Attorney General. Effective date.

OK SB1448

Schools; requiring public schools that administer certain survey to include certain affidavit. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB270

Central purchasing; requiring certain vendors to submit certain information with competitive bid; directing Office of Management and Enterprise Services to conduct annual audits of certain vendors. Effective date.