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Bill > S2896
NJ S2896
NJ S2896Permits marriage or civil union license to be issued and solemnized via audio-visual technology.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would authorize a marriage or civil union license to be issued and solemnized by audio-visual technology. This bill permits a couple, as well as a witness, who wish to marry or enter into a civil union to appear via audio-visual technology before a licensing official in order to obtain a marriage or civil union license. Additionally, this bill will permit solemnization of the marriage or civil union by an individual, religious society, institution, or organization via audio-visual means. Current law requires that individuals who wish to marry or enter into a civil union appear personally before a licensing official and that the marriage or civil union be solemnized in the physical presence of an officiant and two witnesses. Under the bill, receiving a license and having it solemnized via audio-visual technology requires: the video conference be live and allow for interaction between the couple, the licensing official or officiant, and witnesses; members of the couple and witnesses provide valid photo identification and any other documents necessary to allow the licensing official or officiant to fulfill their statutory duty; and each member of the couple and the witnesses sign the pertinent documents and transmit the documents, once signed by all signatories, to the licensing official or officiant.
AI Summary
This bill allows marriage or civil union licenses to be obtained and ceremonies to be performed using audio-visual technology, which means couples can appear remotely via video conference. Currently, individuals must appear in person before a licensing official to get a license and be physically present with an officiant and two witnesses for the ceremony. Under this bill, couples and witnesses can participate in obtaining the license and the solemnization remotely, provided the video conference is live and interactive, all participants provide valid identification, necessary oaths are administered, and all required documents are signed and transmitted securely. The bill also specifies that the officiant must be physically located in the state and will designate their location as the place of marriage on the certificate, and that the Commissioner of Health will establish rules for implementing these changes.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2896 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2896_I1.HTM |
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