The bill amends South Dakota's marriage laws to increase the minimum age for marriage by eliminating the provision that allowed individuals aged sixteen to eighteen to marry with parental consent. Specifically, it removes the requirement for a notarized statement of consent from a parent or legal guardian for applicants in that age range. As a result, only individuals who are eighteen years old or older will be able to apply for a marriage license without additional consent.

Additionally, the bill modifies the penalties for solemnizing a marriage under certain conditions. It establishes that a person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor if they solemnize a marriage knowing that either party is under the age of legal consent without proper parental consent, is of unsound mind, or if any other legal impediment exists. The bill also repeals a previous requirement that mandated written consent from a parent or guardian for minors seeking a marriage license, further tightening the regulations surrounding marriage eligibility.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/30/2025: 25-1-9, 25-1-33, 25-1-13