HF956 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Marriage record provisions modified.

Related bill: SF1409

AI Generated Summary

This legislation, H.F. No. ___ authored by Hanson J., proposes modifications to several aspects of how marriage records are handled and marriage ceremonies are conducted in the state. Here are the key changes outlined in the bill:

  1. Reporting of Marriages (Section 144.223): Changes are proposed to the reporting process of marriage data to the state registrar, explicitly detailing the required information such as personal information about the bride and groom, and details of the marriage ceremony.

  2. Authority to Perform Marriages (Section 517.04): The bill expands and specifies who can solemnize civil marriages, including various judges, court administrators, and religious or ordained ministers, among others.

  3. Marriage License Application (Section 517.08): Updates are aimed at how couples apply for a marriage license, specifying the need for details like full names, addresses, previous marital status, and information regarding any felony convictions.

  4. License Terms and Fees (Section 517.08 Subdivision 1b): Revised procedures for applying and the cost related to obtaining a marriage license are detailed, including reductions in fees for couples undergoing premarital education.

  5. Disposition of License Fees (Section 517.08 Subdivision 1c): The bill specifies how fees collected from marriage licenses should be allocated, including contributions to various state funds.

  6. General Rules for Marriage Ceremonies (Section 517.09): Clarifications on the requirements for conducting a marriage ceremony are made.

  7. Marriage Certificates (Section 517.10): Specifies requirements for the completion and filing of marriage certificates post-ceremony.

  8. Fees for Marriage Records (Section 517.102): Establishes fees for obtaining both certified and uncertified marriage records and amendments thereof.

  9. Amendment of Marriage Records (Section 517.103): Details the procedure for amending errors in marriage records, including documentation and affidavit requirements.

  10. Repeals (Section 10): The legislation proposes the repeal of specific sections that address the credentials and procedures for ministers and other persons authorized to solemnize marriages, from specific religious or cultural backgrounds, likely to streamline or standardize marriage solemnization regulations.

In summary, the bill seeks to clarify, update, and streamline processes related to marriage licenses, solemnization, and records, impacting various stakeholders including couples, officiants, and local registrars.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toJudiciary Finance and Civil Law

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Information about proper name change processes for individuals with a felony conviction."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Minnesota Statute 259.13 restricts individuals with felony convictions from changing their name using the marriage application process.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "259.13"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additional funds were shifted to be used for parenting time centers."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This statute relates to the appropriation of funds to the commissioner of public safety for parenting time centers.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "119A.37"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Funding to support the MN ENABL program implementation."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This statute involves the development and implementation of the MN ENABL program concerning health or youth services.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "145.9255"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "An increase in allocated funds to support family resiliency initiatives."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Funds are appropriated for the Minnesota Family Resiliency Partnership.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "116L.96"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Appropriations to the University of Minnesota for relationship counseling projects."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Funds are allocated to support the Minnesota couples on the brink project.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "137.32"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirements for practitioners providing premarital education were clarified."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This statute involves licensure for marriage and family therapists in Minnesota.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "148B.33"
  }
]