New Jersey Assembly Bill A4400

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/23/22
• Refer: 6/23/22
• Report Pass: 6/27/22

Caption

Waives fees for marriage and civil union licenses in Fiscal Year 2023; appropriates $2 million.

Impact

The bill is expected to financially benefit many couples in New Jersey by reducing the costs associated with legalizing their relationships through marriage or civil unions. With the removal of these fees for one fiscal year, the state intends to reimburse municipalities for the loss of revenue incurred due to this waiver. The proposed appropriation of $2 million from the General Fund to support these reimbursements highlights the state's commitment to easing the financial stress on its residents during a challenging economic period.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4400 aims to waive the fees associated with the issuance of marriage and civil union licenses in New Jersey for the Fiscal Year 2023, which spans from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. This legislation seeks to alleviate financial burdens on couples seeking to formalize their relationships during this period. Specifically, it eliminates a $3 fee typically charged by municipal licensing officers and a $25 fee that is directed to domestic violence related services. By doing so, the bill attempts to make the process of getting married or entering a civil union more accessible for residents.

Contention

While the bill has been reported favorably by the Assembly Budget Committee, some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the implications of waiving these fees, particularly how it might affect funding for services targeted at domestic violence victims where part of the fee revenue typically goes. As the bill proposes a one-year waiver, ongoing discussions may focus on the sustainability of funding sources for these services beyond this fiscal period. Nonetheless, support for the bill is likely to stem from advocacy for increased accessibility to marriage and civil union licenses among New Jersey residents.