Bill > SB967

This bill strengthens Texas marriage laws by eliminating provisions that previously allowed minors under 18 to marry with a court order removing disabilities of minority. Specifically, the bill modifies sections of the Texas Family Code to categorically prohibit marriage for individuals under 18 years old, regardless of whether they have obtained a court order from Texas or another state that previously would have permitted such marriages. The changes impact three key areas: marriage license issuance (county clerks are now forbidden from issuing licenses to anyone under 18), marriage validity (marriages involving parties under 18 are now automatically void), and the removal of a specific section of existing law related to marriage. The bill will apply only to marriage license applications filed and marriages entered into on or after September 1, 2025, meaning existing marriages and pending applications will be governed by previous law. By implementing these changes, the bill aims to protect minors from potential exploitation or inappropriate marriages by establishing a clear, uniform age requirement for marriage in Texas.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB967