SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5103

BYSenators Bottiger, Johnson, Wojahn and Gaspard

Authorizing superior court commissioners to solemnize marriages.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Halsan, Vice Chairman; Bottiger, McCaslin, Moore, Nelson, Newhouse.

Senate Staff:Lidia Mori (786-7461)

                  February 26, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The law allows justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Court of Appeals, superior courts and courts of limited jurisdiction to solemnize marriages.  In addition, any regularly licensed or ordained minister or priest may solemnize marriages.

It has been suggested that ambiguity exists as to the legal authority of superior court commissioners to solemnize marriages.  Some counties have resolved this ambiguity by decision of the superior court judges pursuant to Article IV, section 23 of the Washington Constitution.

SUMMARY:

Superior court commissioners are added to the list of persons who are authorized to solemnize marriages.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: No one