Michigan Senate Bill SB0209

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/16/23
• Refer: 3/16/23
• Report Pass: 6/21/23
• Refer: 6/21/23
• Report Pass: 6/22/23
• Engrossed: 6/22/23
• Refer: 6/22/23
• Enrolled: 6/28/23
• Chaptered: 7/18/23
• Passed: 7/18/23

Caption

Family law: marriage and divorce; marriage entered into by a person under 18 years of age; void. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1921 PA 352 (MCL 551.51). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4294'23, HB 4295'23, HB 4296'23, SB 0212'23

Impact

The bill effectively changes existing family law by updating the legal framework surrounding marriage in Michigan. With this amendment, statutory recognition has shifted towards protecting minors from early marriages that can have long-term detrimental effects on their well-being and development. The enactment of this bill is anticipated alongside other related legislation (SB 212, HB 4294, HB 4295, HB 4296), which emphasizes a holistic approach to family law reform and child protection. Enforcing a clear legal age limit for marriage aligns with more progressive views on the rights of young individuals, matching broader societal changes toward minors’ rights.

Summary

Senate Bill 0209 addresses the legal standing of marriages involving individuals under the age of 18 in the state of Michigan. The amendment to a previous law, originally prohibiting marriages for those under 16, raises the minimum age to 18. By declaring any marriage contracted by an individual under this age as void, the bill aims to enhance protections for minors and diminish the potential for coercive or forced unions. This legislative change underscores an increasing recognition of the need to safeguard younger individuals from the implications and responsibilities of marriage until they reach a legally recognized age of adulthood.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding SB 0209 appears to be largely supportive, reflecting a growing public consensus on the importance of protecting minor children from the potentially exploitative nature of early marriage. Legislative discussions indicate that proponents of the bill view it as a necessary step towards ensuring that individuals are sufficiently mature and informed before entering into such a significant legal contract. Stakeholders from various sectors, including legal experts and child advocacy groups, voiced approval, while concerns were noted around the implications of enforcing such age restrictions, particularly for minority cultures where early marriages might be traditional.

Contention

Notices of contention surrounding SB 0209 may arise from cultural perspectives on marriage and individual rights. Some opponents of the amendment may assert that restricting the marriage age infringes on personal freedoms and cultural practices. However, the broader legislative and public support indicates a prioritization of child welfare over such arguments. The law sets a clear legal standard that unequivocally defines the ages at which individuals can consent to marriage, ensuring that the protection of minors remains paramount in the state’s legal structure.