Rhode Island Senate Bill S1130

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/3/25
• Engrossed: 6/3/25
• Enrolled: 6/5/25
• Passed: 6/10/25

Caption

Allows the Honorable Thomas J. Paolino to join Mariah Marie Paolino and Conner Joseph Gerlach in marriage on or about June 13, 2025, within the Town of Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Impact

This bill reflects a localized impact on marriage laws within Rhode Island, particularly concerning the authority of officiants. By enabling a specific individual to officiate a wedding, it may set a precedent for similar future requests. The existing Chapter 3 of Title 15 of the General Laws will remain unchanged, as the bill does not alter the overall framework governing marriage solemnizations; rather, it seeks to provide specific authorization to a designated individual. The implications could include enabling similar requests by other officiants in the state, thereby potentially easing the path for personalized wedding ceremonies.

Summary

Senate Bill S1130, introduced by Senator Jessica de la Cruz, is a legislative act that specifically permits the Honorable Thomas J. Paolino to solemnize the marriage of Mariah Marie Paolino and Conner Joseph Gerlach on or about June 13, 2025, within the Town of Lincoln, Rhode Island. The bill is characterized by its focused approach, allowing an individual, rather than addressing broader marriage laws, to perform the solemnization in a specified location. The legislation aims to grant an exception to existing laws governing who can officiate weddings within the state.

Sentiment

While there may not be widespread public debate or contention surrounding SB S1130 given its narrow applicability, the sentiment is likely to be largely positive among those favoring personalized wedding ceremonies and local authority to officiate. Supporters would argue the bill enhances local governance in such personal matters, while there may be minimal opposition given the specific and targeted nature of the legislation. This localized approach is generally favored in issues of personal significance such as marriage.

Contention

Notably, the bill does not incite significant contention as it does not alter any existing laws governing marriage generally, but instead, it provides an individual authorization. Potential points of contention could arise if future bills begin to set similar precedents without broader consideration of authority and regulation on a state-wide level, indicating a need for careful legislative scrutiny in how such exceptions are structured. Overall, the bill operates within a framework that is already established, providing a straightforward authorization with limited legislative pushback.