The bill amends the existing law regarding marriage licenses in Michigan, specifically focusing on the requirements for individuals applying for a marriage license. It stipulates that individuals aged 18 or older must provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate, when applying for a marriage license. The county clerk is responsible for ensuring that all requirements are met before issuing the license, which must be signed and certified by the clerk. Additionally, the bill modifies the marriage license fee structure, increasing the standard fee from $20 to $50, and establishes that $15 of each fee collected will be allocated to family counseling services, including support for domestic violence and child abuse.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new fee for nonresident applicants, raising it from $10 to $25. It also clarifies the process for returning the marriage license and certificate to the county clerk after the marriage ceremony, ensuring that all necessary signatures are collected. The bill allows charter counties with populations over 1.5 million to impose different fees for marriage licenses, provided they allocate funds for family counseling services as outlined in the bill. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the administration of marriage licenses while supporting family counseling initiatives.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 551.103