Michigan Senate Bill SB0287

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/7/25
• Refer: 5/7/25
• Report Pass: 6/4/25
• Refer: 6/4/25
• Report Pass: 6/5/25
• Engrossed: 6/10/25
• Refer: 6/10/25

Caption

Family law: marriage and divorce; authority to solemnize marriage; modify. Amends sec. 16 of 1846 RS 83 (MCL 551.16). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0285'25

Impact

The amendments proposed in SB 287 would largely impact the validity of marriages solemnized in the state by potentially broadening the scope of who is recognized to conduct legal marriages. This change could help prevent the invalidation of marriages due to minor technicalities related to the officiants' authority, thus promoting legal stability in marital unions. The bill effectively simplifies the legal framework surrounding marriage solemnization, aiming to alleviate concerns regarding unauthorized officiants and ensuring that the marriages conducted under such circumstances are upheld in law.

Summary

Senate Bill 287 amends the 1846 Michigan statute concerning marriage solemnization, specifically targeting the jurisdictional authority of various individuals who can solemnize marriages. The bill ensures that marriages solemnized by individuals claiming to hold judicial or clerical authority will not be deemed void due to a lack of jurisdiction, provided that there was a good faith belief by at least one of the parties that the marriage was valid at the time it was solemnized. This change aims to provide clarity and legal protection to individuals in circumstances where the official authority might be questioned post-ceremony.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB 287 appears to lean towards support, particularly among legislators advocating for the rights of couples seeking to affirm their marital status without concern for bureaucratic errors or oversights. However, there might be nuanced dissent from those who are wary of broadening the definitions of authority regarding marriage solemnization, concerned about potential abuse or misinterpretations of who can legally conduct such ceremonies. As with many bills concerning family law, discussions likely highlighted a mix of personal beliefs and legal interpretations.

Contention

Notable contention surrounding SB 287 revolves around the implications of granting broader authority to individuals in the solemnization process. Critics may argue that allowing a greater number of individuals—particularly those without formal judicial background—to be involved in officiating marriages could lead to complications or disputes over the validity of those marriages. Furthermore, the bill's requirement to tie its enactment to the passing of another bill (Senate Bill 285) adds a layer of complexity to its legislative pathway, indicating interdependencies in legislative priorities that could provoke debate among lawmakers.