Bill > LC1530

This bill comprehensively eliminates child marriage in Montana by removing provisions that previously allowed minors under 18 to marry. Key provisions include: prohibiting marriage for individuals under 18 years old, removing existing statutes that previously permitted judicial or parental approval for underage marriage, and updating multiple sections of Montana law to eliminate references to marriage as a way to achieve emancipation or change a minor's legal status. The bill modifies definitions across numerous sections of state law, including those related to child welfare, family law, healthcare consent, and legal guardianship, to remove provisions that previously treated marriage as a way for minors to achieve adult legal status. By doing so, the legislation aims to protect minors from potential exploitation and ensure that individuals must reach the age of 18 before legally entering into marriage. The bill includes a saving clause to ensure that existing rights and proceedings are not retroactively affected and specifies that the law applies only to marriages entered into after its effective date.

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC1530