Tennessee House Bill HB2537

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Refer: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Engrossed: 3/26/24
• Enrolled: 4/2/24
• Passed: 4/22/24
• Chaptered: 5/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 3, relative to marriage officiants.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2537 will alter the landscape of marriage officiation in Tennessee. By enabling district attorneys to conduct marriage ceremonies, the bill opens opportunities for more public officials to participate in such significant life events. This could potentially lead to an increase in the number of individuals who can perform weddings, addressing matters of accessibility and preference in officiants. Additionally, this law imposes a requirement for these officials to formally indicate their intention to solemnize marriages, thus registering their authority to do so, which adds a layer of accountability.

Summary

House Bill 2537 amends existing laws related to marriage officiants under Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 3. The bill adds provisions that allow district attorneys general and former district attorneys general to solemnize marriages, provided they file a notice of intention with the office of vital records. This update not only expands the list of individuals authorized to officiate weddings but also establishes a procedural requirement for those wishing to take on this role. The bill was introduced by Representatives Cochran and Russell and is a substitute for Senate Bill No. 2549.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 2537 appears to be neutral to positive, as it expands the range of available officiants in Tennessee without significantly altering the core functions of marriage law. Supporters argue that this expansion provides more options for couples seeking to have their marriages officiated, which can be particularly beneficial in communities where access to traditional officiants may be limited. There has been little opposition to the bill documented, suggesting a consensus approval of its provisions among legislators.

Contention

While there are no significant points of contention noted in the discussions surrounding HB 2537, it does raise questions about the implications of allowing certain legal officials to assume the role of marriage officiants. Some may argue about the appropriateness of prosecutors, typically associated with law enforcement, performing marriage ceremonies. However, these concerns have not manifested as strong opposition in the legislative context, and the bill has passed with unanimous support.