BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                      C.S.H.B. 319

                                                                                                                By: West, George "Buddy"

                                                                                                         Juvenile Justice & Family Issues

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

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. 

 

However, in less populated areas, there are limitations on the choice and availability of persons authorized to perform wedding ceremonies.

 

Therefore, C.S.H.B.319 would allow a municipal judge in a municipality with a population of less than 15,000, to conduct a wedding ceremony.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

Amends Section 2.202, Subsection (a)(4) of the Family Code, to authorize a judge of a municipal court in a municipality with a population of 15,000 or less to conduct a marriage ceremony.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2007.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

 

C.S.H.B.319 modifies the original H.B.319 by changing the population requirement from less than 20,000 to less than 15,000.