MARRIAGES: JUDGES & MAGISTRATES S.B. 698, 699 (S-1), & 700 (S-2): FLOOR SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 698 (as reported without amendment)
Senate Bill 699 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Senate Bill 700 (Substitute S-2 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Goeff Hansen
Committee: Judiciary

CONTENT
Senate Bill 698 would amend Chapter 83 of the Revised Statutes of 1846 to authorize a district judge, district court magistrate, or probate judge to solemnize a marriage anywhere in Michigan. Currently, a judge of the district court, and a district court magistrate, may solemnize a marriage in the district in which he or she serves. A probate judge may solemnize a marriage in the county or probate court district in which he or she serves.


Senate Bill 699 (S-1) would amend the Revised Judicature Act to require a probate judge to remit the $10 fee for performing a marriage ceremony to the probate court for the county in which he or she served. As currently allowed, a probate judge could waive the fee if the parties to the marriage were indigent.
Senate Bill 700 (S-2) would amend the Revised Judicature Act to require a district judge or district court magistrate to remit the $10 fee for performing a marriage ceremony to the district court in which the judge or magistrate served.


The bill also would allow a district judge or magistrate to waive the fee if the parties to the marriage were indigent.


Senate Bills 699 (S-1) and 700 (S-2) are tie-barred to Senate Bill 698.


MCL 551.7 (S.B. 698) Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter 600.874 (S.B. 699) 600.8316 (S.B. 700)

FISCAL IMPACT
The bills would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.


Date Completed: 11-9-11 Fiscal Analyst: Matthew Grabowski

Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb698-700/1112