ALLOW COUNTY CLERKS TO SOLEMNIZE MARRIAGES

House Bill 4086

Sponsor:  Rep. Shelley Goodman Taub

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 2-24-06

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4086 AS INTRODUCED 2-1-05

The bill would amend Chapter 83 of the Revised Statutes of 1846 to allow county clerks, or designated employees of the clerks, to solemnize marriages (perform marriage ceremonies) in their own counties.  Currently, the act allows county clerks in a county with a population of over 2 million to solemnize marriages (Wayne County).  The clerks could charge a fee as determined by county commissioners.

[The act also permits marriages to be solemnized by district court judges; district court magistrates; municipal judges; probate judges; Federal court judges; mayors; and ministers of the Gospel.  Federal court judges and ministers can perform marriage ceremonies anywhere in the state; the other listed officials can solemnize marriages within their jurisdictions.]

MCL 551.7 and 16

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact.  Any fiscal impact for a county would depend on the number of marriages solemnized, any administrative costs presented by those, and the amount of any fees charged. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Marilyn Peterson

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.