The bill, HB 1260-FN, amends New Hampshire's marriage registration laws to modernize the application process and promote inclusivity through gender-neutral language. Key changes include replacing terms like "bride and groom" with "marriage applicants" throughout the relevant statutes. The bill allows applicants to complete their marriage applications in advance, either online or offline, and establishes a fee for filing a delayed marriage certificate. It clarifies the required information from both applicants, such as full names, addresses, birthplaces, and social security numbers, while also providing options for retaining or changing surnames upon marriage. Additionally, it specifies that either applicant can request the name of a legal guardian to be used on the marriage license.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of town or city clerks in processing marriage applications and licenses, ensuring accurate record-keeping. It mandates that marriage applicants review their license for accuracy before signing and establishes provisions for military personnel to have their applications processed through a legal representative. Furthermore, it includes measures for addressing false information on applications and allows for the omission of certain vital events from public reports upon request. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the marriage application process while ensuring inclusivity and maintaining accurate records, with an effective date set for 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5-C:41, 5-C:52
As Amended by the House: 5-C:1, 5-C:41, 5-C:42, 5-C:43, 5-C:49, 5-C:52, 5-C:53, 5-C:57, 5-C:91, 5-C:97, 5-C:102
As Amended by the Senate: 5-C:1, 5-C:41, 5-C:42, 5-C:43, 5-C:49, 5-C:52, 5-C:53, 5-C:57, 5-C:91, 5-C:97, 5-C:102
Version adopted by both bodies: 5-C:1, 5-C:41, 5-C:42, 5-C:43, 5-C:49, 5-C:52, 5-C:53, 5-C:57, 5-C:91, 5-C:97, 5-C:102
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 5-C:1, 5-C:41, 5-C:42, 5-C:43, 5-C:49, 5-C:52, 5-C:53, 5-C:57, 5-C:91, 5-C:97, 5-C:102
HB1260 text: 5-C:41, 5-C:52