South Dakota House Bill HB1154

South Dakota 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/25/24

Caption

Establish the minimum age for marriage.

Impact

The implications of HB1154 are significant as they modify existing statutes regarding the age of consent for marriage. By codifying a minimum age, the bill aims to enhance legal clarity and enforce measures that protect minors from entering into marriage without adequate parental oversight. This could potentially lead to a decrease in the number of minors who marry prematurely, which advocates argue contributes to better outcomes for these individuals in terms of educational and economic opportunities.

Summary

House Bill 1154 focuses on amending existing marriage laws to establish a clear minimum age for marriage in South Dakota. The bill states that individuals aged eighteen and older are capable of consenting to marry without any restrictions. For those between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, a notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian must be submitted to the county register of deeds in order to process a marriage license. This amendment seeks to create a more comprehensive framework around the legalities of marriage and ensure that minors have an adequate level of protection through parental involvement in the decision.

Contention

There are likely points of contention surrounding HB1154, particularly regarding the threshold age for marriage and the stipulations regarding parental consent. Proponents of the bill may argue that establishing a minimum marriage age supports the well-being of minors and aligns with societal values regarding maturity and readiness for such a commitment. Conversely, opponents may express concerns that this bill could infringe on the rights of minors or families to make personal decisions about marriage. Examining the discussions around this bill will be important to further understand the diverse perspectives and potential controversies that could arise.