Bill > LD83

This bill modifies Maine's marriage license and recording procedures by updating several aspects of the state's vital records system. The bill requires that an electronic copy of marriage license applications be attached to the marriage record in the electronic system maintained by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics. It extends the timeframe for returning marriage licenses from 7 to 15 working days and mandates that licenses returned after this period be marked as a late filing. The bill also clarifies that if someone files a caution about a potential marriage that might not be lawful, the clerk or registrar must withhold the license or notify parties that they cannot marry until a probate judge approves. Additionally, the legislation introduces a provision that explicitly states parties are considered legally married upon completion of the marriage solemnization, with signatures from the officiating person and two witnesses. The bill further provides a mechanism for registering marriages for which no official record can be found, allowing the State Registrar of Vital Statistics to accept delayed marriage registrations. These changes aim to modernize and streamline the marriage documentation process in Maine by leveraging electronic record-keeping and providing clearer guidelines for marriage license filing and recording.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=83&snum=132