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Bill > HB905
VA HB905
VA HB905Persons other than ministers who may perform rites of marriage; clerk may issue order.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
03/05/2026
03/05/2026
Crossed Over
03/11/2026
03/11/2026
Passed
04/08/2026
04/08/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/08/2026
04/08/2026
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Persons other than ministers who may perform rites of marriage; clerk; issuance of order; bond requirement. Provides that a clerk of a circuit court may issue an order authorizing one or more persons to celebrate the rites of marriage in the Commonwealth. Under current law, only a circuit court judge may issue such an order. The bill further makes discretionary the entrance into a bond in the penalty of $500 prior to performing the rites of marriage for a person authorized to celebrate the rites of marriage; under current law, such entry is mandatory. Finally, the bill civilly immunizes the clerk of any circuit court from a cause of action arising from the issuance or rescinding of such order, absent gross negligence or willful misconduct.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing Virginia law regarding who can perform marriage ceremonies. Previously, only a circuit court judge could issue an order authorizing individuals other than ministers to perform marriages, and these individuals were required to enter into a $500 bond. This bill allows the clerk of a circuit court, instead of a judge, to issue such an order upon application and payment of fees, and makes the bond requirement discretionary for the clerk. Additionally, the bill provides civil immunity to the clerk for any actions related to issuing or rescinding these marriage authorization orders, unless there is gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0437) (on 04/08/2026)
Bill Topics
Government Operations
- ‐ Judicial Branch Operations
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
- ‐ Family Issues
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB905 | 01/14/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB905/text/CHAP0437 | 04/13/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB905/text/HB905ER | 03/30/2026 |
| Senate Amendments | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB905/text/HB905EDOC | 03/10/2026 |
| Courts of Justice Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB905/text/HB905AS1 | 03/09/2026 |
| Courts of Justice Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB905/text/HB905ASC1 | 03/05/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB905/text/HB905E | 02/09/2026 |
| Courts of Justice Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB905/text/HB905AH1 | 02/04/2026 |
| Civil Subcommittee Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB905/text/HB905AHC1 | 01/29/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB905/text/HB905 | 01/14/2026 |
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