Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee

HB 1083

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.

Brief Description: Authorizing judges of tribal courts to solemnize marriages.

Sponsors: Representatives Appleton, Roberts, Jinkins, Freeman and Hunt.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes tribal court judges to solemnize marriages.

Hearing Date: 1/23/13

Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).

Background:

State law does not require the solemnization of a marriage to take any particular form, so long as the parties assent to the marriage in the presence of an authorized person and two witnesses. Certain judicial officers and religious organization officials are authorized to solemnize marriages. Authorized judicial officers include supreme court justices, court of appeal judges, superior court judges, judges of courts of limited jurisdiction, supreme court commissioners, court of appeals commissioners, and superior court commissioners.

Summary of Bill:

Judges of tribal courts are authorized to solemnize marriages.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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