SB13 Summary

• Eliminates the requirement for marriage licenses in Alabama and replaces the licensing system with a recording system where couples submit notarized affidavits and forms directly to the judge of probate.

• Marriages become valid upon execution by both parties, provided affidavits and forms are recorded with the probate office within 30 days of the last party's signature.

• Removes the requirement for formal solemnization or ceremony of marriage; couples may conduct religious, civil, or independent ceremonies but such ceremonies have no legal effect on the validity of the marriage.

• Requires the judge of probate to record all marriages presented with proper documentation and forward them to the Office of Vital Statistics by the fifth day of the following calendar month.

• Repeals five existing Code sections (30-1-9, 30-1-10, 30-1-11, 30-1-13, and 30-1-14) and amends four others to implement the new marriage registration process; becomes effective 90 days after passage.