Bill that would raise marriage license cost dies in legislature

A Utah bill that would have increased fees for marriage licenses failed to pass through committee.

SB29 would have increased the marriage license fee by $20 “to support marriage and relationship strengthening efforts in the state,” according to the bill. Couples that could provide proof they completed a pre-marital education course would receive a $20 rebate.

The bill has surfaced in various forms since 2003, but has never made it this far in the legislative process.

“Our primary hope is that we will be able to increase the number of engaged couples in Utah who will invest in serious premarital education to help them get off to a strong start in their marriage,” said Utah Marriage Commission Chair and BYU family life professor Alan Hawkins.

Read more: http://universe.byu.edu/2017/02/24/bill-that-would-raise-marriage-license-cost-dies-in-legislature/