HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1939

                       As Passed House

                       March 12, 1991

Title:  An act relating to change of name upon marriage.

Brief Description:  Providing that either party to a marriage may take the surname of the other.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Anderson, Miller, H. Sommers, Brough, Fraser and Brekke.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Judiciary, February 26, 1991, DP;

Passed House, March 12, 1991, 96-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 18 members:  Representatives Appelwick, Chair; Ludwig, Vice Chair; Padden, Ranking Minority Member; Paris, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Belcher; Broback; Forner; Hargrove; Inslee; R. Meyers; Mielke; H. Myers; Riley; Scott; D. Sommers; Tate; Vance; and Wineberry.

Staff:  Pat Shelledy (786-7149).

Background:  The marriage dissolution statutes provide that upon the request of a party whose marriage is dissolved, the court must order a former name restored or may order a name changed to another name.  No statute exists in the marriage provisions that directs the court to grant a name change to the parties getting married.  Apparently in practice, courts are allowing the woman to take the man's name but are not allowing the man to take the woman's name.

Summary of Bill:  Either party to a marriage may take the surname of the other party.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  None.