This bill amends the current marriage laws in New Hampshire by lowering the age of consent for marriage to 17 years for individuals where at least one party is an active duty member of the military, provided certain conditions are met. Specifically, the bill introduces new legal language stating that the age of consent is 17 if one party is a member of the armed forces at the time of applying for a marriage license, the other party is at least 17 years old, and at least one person is a resident of New Hampshire. Additionally, if the non-military party is 17, they must obtain written permission from a parent or legal guardian to marry.

The bill also removes outdated language regarding age waivers for marriage registration records, as these waivers are no longer issued in New Hampshire. The revised law clarifies that no person below the age of 18 can contract a valid marriage, except as provided in the new provisions. The effective date of the act is set to be 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 461-A:6
As Amended by the House: 461-A:2, 461-A:6
As Amended by the Senate: 461-A:6, 100-A:6-a, 100-A:6, 100-A:12, 100-A:52, 100-A:55, 21-I:30
Version adopted by both bodies: 461-A:6, 100-A:6-a, 100-A:6, 100-A:12, 100-A:52, 100-A:55, 21-I:30
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 461-A:6, 100-A:6-a, 100-A:6, 100-A:12, 100-A:52, 100-A:55, 21-I:30