House Bill 315, also known as the "Tennessee Covenant Marriage Act," introduces a new legal framework for marriages in Tennessee, emphasizing the concept of covenant marriages. Under this act, a covenant marriage is defined as a lifelong commitment between one male and one female, who must undergo premarital counseling that highlights the responsibilities and nature of marriage. Couples wishing to enter into a covenant marriage must declare their intent on their marriage license application and submit a declaration of intent that includes a solemn statement, an affidavit confirming counseling, and a notarized attestation. The act also stipulates that previously married couples can designate their marriage as a covenant marriage starting July 1, 2025.

The bill amends several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, including provisions related to divorce and legal separation. Notably, it specifies that spouses in a covenant marriage can only obtain a divorce under certain conditions, such as adultery or abuse, and they cannot sue each other for most causes of action unless legally separated. Additionally, the act mandates that the county clerk indicate on marriage licenses whether the parties intend to enter into a covenant marriage and requires the secretary of state to create an informational pamphlet outlining the implications of such a marriage. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 36-3-103, 36-3-104, 36-4-101(a), 36-4-101, 36-4-102