Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
MARRIAGE LICENSE FEES
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
House Bill 4547 (H-1) as reported from committee Analysis available at
Sponsor: Rep. Will Snyder http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Committee: Families, Children and Seniors
Complete to 10-18-23
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4547 would amend 1887 PA 128 to increase the marriage license fee from $20 to
$50, and the additional fee paid by nonresidents from $10 to $25.
The act requires $15 of each fee collected to be allocated to the circuit court for family
counseling services, which must include counseling for domestic violence and child abuse.
The act allows the probate court to order the county clerk to waive the marriage license fee if
the fee would result in undue hardship.
MCL 551.103
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 4547 would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on local units of government. An
increase in the fee amount paid to obtain a marriage license, and an increase in the additional
fee amount paid by people who are not residents of the state applying for a marriage license,
would result in an increase in funding for local units. However, it is not possible to determine
the number of resident and nonresident marriage licenses that would be applied for and paid
for at the new fee amounts. Under the bill, additional fee revenue would be required to be
deposited into the general fund of the county.
POSITIONS:
Representatives of the following entities testified in support of the bill (10-10-23):
• Michigan Association of County Clerks
• Muskegon County Clerk
The Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan indicated support for the bill, while also
recommending a proportionate increase in the family counseling services allocation. (6-3-23)
The Michigan Association of Counties indicated a neutral position on the bill. (10-10-23)
Legislative Analyst: E. Best
Fiscal Analyst: Robin Risko
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 1


Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 551.103
House Introduced Bill: 551.103
As Passed by the House: 551.103