SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 1939

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 17, 1992

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

SPONSORS:Representatives Anderson, Miller, H. Sommers, Brough, Fraser and Brekke.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Susan Carlson (786‑7418)

Hearing Dates:April 5, 1991; February 19, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Upon marriage, some women assume their husband's surname.  No statute exists in the marriage provisions that specifically authorizes this practice.  Apparently if a man desires to assume his wife's surname, he may not be allowed to change his voter's registration or driver's license to conform unless he obtains an order from a superior court authorizing the change.

SUMMARY:

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

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested