ND HB1084

Establishes that neither party to a marriage must automatically change their surname, and both parties may retain different surnames.

Allows one or both spouses to elect a new surname on the marriage license application, limited to options including the other spouse's surname, former surnames, combined surnames, or hyphenated/spaced combinations of either spouse's surnames.

Provides that the marriage certificate serves as official proof of lawful surname change or retention.

Clarifies confidentiality protections for birth, death, and fetal death records, specifying who may access certified copies including individuals named on records, parents, authorized representatives, relatives of deceased persons, and courts.

Designates the act as an emergency measure, with House passage by 67-23 vote and Senate passage by 43-0 vote.