SB20 Summary

• Eliminates the requirement for marriage licenses issued by judges of probate and replaces it with a recording system where two parties submit notarized affidavits and forms directly to the probate office.

• Marriage becomes valid on the date both parties execute the required documents, provided the affidavits and forms are recorded within 30 days of the last signature.

• Eliminates the requirement for marriage solemnization; parties may conduct religious, civil, or independent ceremonies at their discretion, but no ceremony is legally required.

• Requires judges of probate to record all marriages presented with proper documentation (affidavits declaring age, legal competency, lack of current marriage, and lack of disqualifying blood relations) and forward them to the Office of Vital Statistics by the fifth day of the following month.

• Judge of probate has no authority to reject any marriage recording if required affidavits, forms, and data are properly provided; continues collection of recording and other applicable fees.