Texas House Bill HB1212

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to certain requirements relating to the issuance of a marriage license or the recording of a declaration of informal marriage and to the maintenance of marriage and divorce indexes by the bureau of vital statistics.

Impact

The bill will amend sections of the Family Code and the Local Government Code, which includes provisions for the collection of fees associated with marriage licenses and informal marriage declarations. These fees will be utilized to update and maintain the state index, thereby enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of vital records related to marriages and divorces across the state. The responsibility imposed on county clerks to verify applicant status is expected to lead to more streamlined procedures in the issuance of marriage licenses.

Summary

HB1212 introduces new requirements related to the issuance of marriage licenses and the recording of informal marriages in Texas. Specifically, it mandates that county clerks verify the marital status of applicants through an online state index maintained by the bureau of vital statistics. This measure aims to ensure that individuals applying for marriage licenses or informal marriage declarations are not already married, promoting law enforcement and clarity in marital status records.

Contention

During discussions around HB1212, some concern was raised regarding the potential for administrative burdens placed on county clerks, particularly in counties with limited access to the necessary technology to conduct verifications. While supporters argue that the verification process could significantly reduce fraudulent applications, critics caution that not all counties may be equipped to handle these new requirements immediately. Additionally, the efficacy of the online index in ensuring timely updates and accurate records was questioned, along with considerations of privacy related to access to such sensitive information.