Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Local Government Committee
HB 1600
Brief Description: Modifying the fee to support family services.
Sponsors: Representatives Eslick, Parshley, Ryu, Simmons, Macri and Fosse.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Increases the maximum fee that county legislative authorities may impose on marriage licenses for the support of family support services from $15 to $30.
Hearing Date: 2/4/25
Staff: Kellen Wright (786-7134).
Background:

In Washington, marriage is a civil contract between two people 18 years of age or older that are not otherwise precluded from entering into the marriage.  Before marrying, the parties must obtain a marriage license from the county auditor.  In order to file a marriage license application, applicants must provide information such as their name, social security number, and place of birth, and must pay the requisite fees.

 

These fees include those specific to marriage license applications as well as those generally applicable to the recording of documents.  One fee that is specific to marriage licenses is a fee of up to $15 that a county legislative authority can impose for the support of funding family support services such as family support centers.  This fee is additional to other fees imposed on the marriage license application.
Summary of Bill:

The fee that county legislative authorities can impose on marriage license applications for the purpose of funding family services may be up to $30.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 29, 2025.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.