The bill amends section 7 of the 1846 RS 83 regarding the solemnization of marriages in Michigan. It introduces several new categories of individuals authorized to solemnize marriages, including district court judges, probate judges, municipal judges, mayors, county clerks, civil celebrants, and state legislators. The bill also clarifies that an individual authorized to solemnize a marriage must keep proper records and return licenses and certificates as required by existing law. Additionally, it specifies that fees charged by mayors and county clerks for solemnizing marriages must be deposited into the respective city or county general funds.

The bill makes several deletions and insertions to update the language and clarify the roles of those who can solemnize marriages. Notably, it replaces the term "marriages" with "A marriage" and modifies the language around the population threshold for certain county clerks' employees to be authorized to solemnize marriages. The bill also defines "civil celebrant" and outlines the requirements for individuals in this role. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of Senate Bill No. 286.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 551.7
As Passed by the Senate: 551.7