Bill > SB0076

This bill amends Utah's laws regarding marriage for minors, establishing more stringent requirements to protect young people. The legislation reduces the maximum permissible age difference between marriage partners from seven to four years and introduces a mandatory 72-hour waiting period after filing a petition for marriage authorization. To marry, a minor must obtain written authorization from a juvenile court judge or court commissioner, who must verify that the minor is entering the marriage voluntarily and that the marriage is in the minor's best interest. The bill requires both parties to complete premarital counseling (with potential waivers if counseling is unavailable) and allows judges to impose additional conditions like continuing school attendance. The county clerk is prohibited from issuing a marriage license without signed consent from a parent or legal guardian, who must provide specific legal documentation verifying their relationship, the minor's identity, and birth date. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for individuals who knowingly facilitate illegal marriages involving minors, including parents who consent to prohibited marriages, individuals who solemnize unauthorized marriages, or those who forge consent documents. These changes aim to provide greater protection for minors considering marriage by introducing more oversight and verification processes. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0076.html