HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5079

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:
April 3, 2007

Title: An act relating to including supreme court and court of appeals commissioners to solemnize marriages.

Brief Description: Including supreme court and court of appeals commissioners to solemnize marriages.

Sponsors: By Senators Marr, Kline and McCaslin; by request of Court Of Appeals.

Brief History:

Judiciary: 3/16/07, 3/23/07 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 4/3/07, 97-0.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows Supreme Court commissioners and Court of Appeals commissioners to solemnize marriages.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Lantz, Chair; Goodman, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Warnick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Flannigan, Kirby, Moeller, Pedersen, Ross and Williams.

Staff: Trudes Tango (786-7384).

Background:

The following persons, active or retired, are authorized to solemnize marriages:

Summary of Bill:

Supreme Court commissioners and Court of Appeals commissioners are authorized to solemnize marriages.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Almost all judicial officers can solemnize marriages. Excluding commissioners from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals was probably an oversight. There are only nine commissioners who will be affected by this bill. Commissioners are often asked by family and friends to perform their marriage ceremonies.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Susan Craighead, Court of Appeals.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.