HB 1248 Summary

• Establishes a $10 fee for marriage licenses and certificates for couples who complete an approved premarital preparation course; increases fees to $40 for licenses and $32 for certificates for those who do not complete the course.

• Requires individuals under 18 years of age to complete a premarital preparation course before marriage, which must include at least 8 hours of instruction on conflict management, communication, financial responsibility, parenting, and problem-solving.

• Permits courses to be taught by licensed psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, clergy, or trainers approved by the Secretary of Family and Social Services.

• Establishes the Healthy Marriages Fund, administered by the Secretary of Family and Social Services, to provide financial assistance to low-income individuals for premarital course costs; fund receives money from excess marriage license fees and is continually appropriated.

• Effective July 1, 2011.