FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 795

                                  C 291 L 87

BYRepresentatives Meyers, Padden and Lewis

Authorizing retired authorized persons to solemnize marriages.

House Committe on Judiciary

Senate Committee on Judiciary

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

A state law authorizes members of the clergy and judges of any court in the state to solemnize marriages.  The law is silent as to whether court commissioners or retired judges and clergy persons may solemnize marriages.

No particular form of solemnization is required, but the parties must declare their intent to be married in the presence of the judge or clergy member and at least two witnesses.  The person who solemnizes the marriage must file a certificate with the county auditor within 30 days after the marriage.  Failure to file the certificate is a misdemeanor.

SUMMARY:

Superior court commissioners are authorized to solemnize marriages.  Persons authorized to solemnize marriages may do so whether they are actively engaged in or retired from the position that confers that authority.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 83   1

      Senate    48     0(Senate amended)

      House 94   0(House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987