HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1395
As Reported By House Committee On:
Human Services
Title: An act relating to marriage license fees for funding family services.
Brief Description: Allowing counties to impose additional marriage license fees for funding family services.
Sponsors: Representatives Scott, Long, G. Cole, Riley, Johanson, Leonard, Ogden, King and Locke.
Brief History:
Reported by House Committee on:
Human Services, February 17, 1993, DP.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Leonard, Chair; Riley, Vice Chair; Talcott, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Brown; Karahalios; Patterson; Thibaudeau; and Wolfe.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Cooke, Ranking Minority Member; Lisk; and Padden.
Staff: John Welsh (786-7133).
Background: Currently the fees for processing applications for marriage licenses are established by law. The basic fee is $8, plus an additional fee of $5 for use and support for the prevention of child abuse and neglect activities, expiring June 30, 1995, plus an additional $10 fee for the purposes of the Displaced Homemaker Act. Counties may also charge $8 for funding the family court.
However, there is no authority granted to county legislative authorities to add an additional fee to a marriage license for the purpose of funding family services.
Summary of Bill: County legislative authorities may establish an additional fee for a marriage license, not exceeding $15, to fund family services, such as family support centers.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: Counties should have the ability to raise additional revenue to find needed family support services.
Testimony Against: None.
Witnesses: Dianne Shiver, Family Support Center; Liz McLaughlin, Snohomish County Council; Robbie Rohr, Family Support Center; and Laurie Lippold, Children's Home Society.