SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6629

As Passed Senate, February 15, 2002

Title:  An act relating to a family law handbook.

Brief Description:  Requiring the administrator for the courts to create a family law handbook.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Sheahan, T. Sheldon, Jacobsen, Oke, Hargrove, Swecker, Rasmussen, Honeyford, Shin and Winsley).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  1/31/02, 2/7/02 [DPS].

Passed Senate:  2/15/02, 44-3.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6629 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Costa, Vice Chair; Carlson, Kastama, Long and Stevens.

Staff:  Tony Rugel (786‑7754)

Background:  Studies have shown that strong marital relationships result in stronger families, children, and ultimately, stronger communities and place less of a fiscal burden on the state. Providing people with information on laws relating to marriage and dissolution can help facilitate strong marital relationships.

Summary of Bill:  The Administrator for the Courts must create a handbook explaining the laws pertaining to marriage, child support, dissolution, domestic violence, etc.  The handbook is given by the county auditor to people filing a marriage license.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 25, 2002.

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

Testimony For:  The handbook will give people information to help them build a strong marital relationship.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Larry Kvamme, independent volunteer (pro)