Texas Senate Bill SB370

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to authorizing certain current and former members of the state legislature to conduct a marriage ceremony.

Impact

If enacted, SB370 would officially recognize the role of long-serving legislators as authorized officiants for marriage ceremonies in Texas. This change reflects a growing trend to include elected officials in celebratory roles, adding a civic dimension to the institution of marriage. With a cap of 12 ceremonies per year for these officiants, this bill seeks to strike a balance between accessibility and regulation, potentially making the process of marriage more convenient for couples who wish to have their ceremonies conducted by someone with a public service background.

Summary

Senate Bill 370 proposes amendments to the Texas Family Code, particularly Section 2.202, to extend the authority to conduct marriage ceremonies to certain current and former members of the state legislature. Specifically, the bill aims to allow individuals who have served in the legislature for at least 20 years to officiate marriage ceremonies. This includes both current and former legislators, expanding the scope of individuals who can legally perform weddings beyond traditional religious figures and judicial officials.

Contention

Despite its straightforward premise, the bill could incite debate surrounding the appropriateness of legislative members performing marital ceremonies. Critics may argue that allowing politicians to officiate marriages could blur the lines between their public duties and personal beliefs, leading to concerns about favoritism or bias based on personal values. Additionally, the potential for increased demand for weddings officiated by legislators could raise questions about the impact on their public service responsibilities.