FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1091

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.

Background:

Persons authorized to solemnize marriages include active or retired judicial officers and officials of religious organizations. Authorized judicial officers are judges of the Washington Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, superior courts, and courts of limited jurisdiction, as well as commissioners of the Washington Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or superior courts. Authorized religious officials include any licensed or ordained minister, priest, imam, rabbi, or similar official of a religious organization.

A marriage recognized as valid in another jurisdiction is valid in Washington, as long as it is not otherwise prohibited.

There are 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington.

Summary:

Tribal court judges from a federally recognized tribe are authorized to solemnize marriages.

The solemnization of a marriage by a tribal court judge does not create tribal court jurisdiction and does not affect state court authority to enter a judgment for purposes of any dissolution, legal separation, or other proceeding related to the marriage that is binding on the parties and entitled to full faith and credit.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	93	4
Senate	49	0	(Senate amended)
House	92	4	(House concurred)