Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1956

Filed

3/5/25

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to an application for and the issuance of a marriage license after the marriage ceremony has been conducted.

Impact

The legal implications of SB1956 include a modification of the existing framework governing marriage licenses. Currently, there is a 72-hour waiting period that restricts marriage ceremonies from taking place immediately after a license is issued. The proposed amendments enable the issuance of marriage licenses after ceremonies, thereby eliminating the need for the waiting period under certain conditions. This is expected to enhance flexibility for couples and improve the efficiency of the marriage licensing process.

Summary

SB1956 proposes significant amendments to the Texas Family Code, particularly concerning the process of obtaining a marriage license after a marriage ceremony has been conducted. The bill introduces a new provision whereby individuals can apply for a marriage license post-ceremony provided they meet specific documentation requirements. This includes submitting an affidavit that attests to the marriage ceremony's occurrence, which must be signed by both applicants, witnesses, and the officiant of the ceremony. This shift is designed to streamline the administrative aspects of marriage registration in Texas.

Contention

Points of contention around SB1956 may arise from concerns about the safeguards in place for marriage applicants. While proponents of the bill argue that it modernizes and simplifies the marriage license process, opponents might express worries about potential misuse or the implications for individuals who may not have access to immediate verification of their marriage. Furthermore, the requirement for multiple parties to attest to the marriage could be seen as a bureaucratic hurdle rather than a facilitative step.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

Chapter 2. The Marriage Relationship
- Section: New Section
- Section: 004
- Section: 008
- Section: 203
- Section: 204
- Section: 206
- Section: 207
- Section: 208

Chapter 6. Suit For Dissolution Of Marriage
- Section: 110

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2091

Relating to the confidentiality of certain information on a marriage license, an application for a marriage license, and a declaration of informal marriage.

TX HB1685

Relating to certain statutory changes to reflect and address same-sex marriages.

TX SB81

Relating to certain statutory changes to reflect and address same-sex marriages and parenting relationships and to the removal of provisions regarding the criminality or unacceptability of homosexual conduct.