By: Perry S.B. No. 907

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the application for and issuance of a marriage license through the use of remote technology.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 2, Family Code, is amended by adding Section 2.0091 to read as follows:

Sec. 2.0091. APPLICATION FOR AND ISSUANCE OF LICENSE THROUGH REMOTE TECHNOLOGY. (a) This section applies only in a county in which the county clerk has been certified by the Texas Judicial Council under Section 71.039, Government Code, to issue a marriage license through the use of remote technology.

(b) In a county to which this section applies:

(1) a person who applies for a marriage license through the use of remote technology is considered to have appeared before the court for purposes of this subchapter; and

(2) the county clerk may issue a marriage license through the use of remote technology only in accordance with the procedures adopted by the Texas Judicial Council under Section 71.039, Government Code.

SECTION 2. Subchapter C, Chapter 71, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 71.039 to read as follows:

Sec. 71.039. PROCEDURES FOR ISSUANCE OF MARRIAGE LICENSE THROUGH REMOTE TECHNOLOGY. The council, in consultation with the Department of State Health Services, by rule shall develop and implement a voluntary certification process under which a county clerk may be certified to issue a marriage license to applicants through the use of remote technology in accordance with procedures adopted by the council. The procedures adopted by the council must ensure sufficient verification of each applicant's age and identity to prevent fraud.

SECTION 3. Not later than January 1, 2022, the Texas Judicial Council shall adopt the rules necessary to implement Section 71.039, Government Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.