BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                       H.B. 319

80R15770 KSD-D                                                                   By: West, George "Buddy" (Seliger)

                                                                                                                                      Jurisprudence

                                                                                                                                            5/15/2007

                                                                                                                                           Engrossed

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Current law grants to an officer of a religious organization, a justice of the peace, and almost all federal, state, and county judges the authority to conduct marriage ceremonies.  Municipal judges are the only judges who have not been granted such authority.  In less populated areas there are limitations on the choice and availability of persons authorized to perform wedding ceremonies.

 

H.B. 319 authorizes a municipal judge in a municipality with a population of 15,000 or less to conduct a wedding ceremony.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 2.202(a), Family Code, to add a judge of a municipal court in a municipality with a population of 15,000 or less to the list of persons who are authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony.

 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2007.