SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5124

              As Passed Senate, January 17, 1996

Title:  An act relating to marriage licenses.

Brief Description:  Revising provisions concerning marriage licenses.

Sponsors:  Senators Wojahn, Sheldon, Prentice, C. Anderson, McAuliffe and Kohl.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  2/16/95 [DP]; 1/9/96 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/7/95, 33-16; 1/17/96, 28-14.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Quigley, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Deccio, Fairley, Franklin, Moyer, Thibaudeau, Winsley and Wood.

Staff:  Joanne Conrad (786-7472)

Background:  Domestic violence continues to be a leading cause of death and injury for American women.  Many believe that cultural factors contribute to the prevalence of abuse, and that improved public education may help reduce violence in the home.

Summary of Bill:  Warning language is added to the application for marriage license, to inform applicants regarding their legal rights in the state of Washington, and of the consequences of criminal acts of abuse.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Domestic violence is a serious public health problem, which can be reduced by better education.  Health professionals can use this warning as a patient education tool.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Wojahn; Keith Galbraith, Family Renewal Shelter; Roy Farrell, M.D., Kris White, WA State Medical Assn.