Texas House Bill HB974

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to authorizing the county clerk in certain counties to conduct a marriage ceremony and collect a related fee; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The bill stipulates that a county clerk conducting a marriage ceremony can impose a fee of $25, which must be deposited into the county treasury. This revenue must be directed towards funding charitable organizations that support victims of family violence and child abuse or neglect, specifically focusing on prevention services. The implications of this bill include not only a financial component for the county but also a targeted approach in using these funds to assist vulnerable populations in the community.

Summary

House Bill 974 seeks to amend the Texas Family Code and Government Code by authorizing the county clerk in certain large counties to conduct marriage ceremonies and collect associated fees. It primarily targets counties with a population of at least 1.7 million, where the county clerk and appointed deputy clerks are granted the authority to perform these ceremonies. This legislative change intends to provide more access to marriage services within larger populations, where demand may exceed the capacity of traditional officiants.

Contention

While the bill has provisions to benefit community services, there may be debate regarding the appropriateness of clerks conducting marriage ceremonies compared to traditional officiants like ministers or judges. Some may argue that marriage should be solemnized by certain religious or legal figures to ensure its weight and significance, while others might welcome the accessibility that clerks can provide. Additionally, the allocation of the fees collected could spark discussions about which charitable organizations receive funding and the criteria for their selection.