87R7076 EAS-D
 
  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.