summary
Introduced
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
In Committee
04/06/2026
04/06/2026
Crossed Over
03/30/2026
03/30/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Current law requires an individual to be at least 18 years old in order to obtain a marriage license; except that a minor who is 16 or 17 years old may obtain a marriage license with judicial approval. The bill repeals this exception, therefore requiring that an individual be at least 18 years old to obtain a marriage license.
AI Summary
This bill, titled "Remove Exception to Marry with Judicial Approval," aims to eliminate the current provision in Colorado law that allows individuals aged 16 or 17 to obtain a marriage license with judicial approval, meaning a judge's permission. Instead, the bill mandates that all individuals must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for a marriage license, effectively raising the minimum marriage age to 18 without any exceptions. This change will also repeal the section of law that outlines the process for obtaining judicial approval for underage marriage and remove related provisions concerning the appointment of a guardian ad litem for such cases. The bill includes an appropriation adjustment for the judicial department and specifies that it applies to marriage licenses issued on or after its effective date, which is contingent on the legislative session and potential public referendum.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (21)
Lorena García (D)*,
Nick Hinrichsen (D)*,
Junie Joseph (D)*,
Janice Marchman (D)*,
Judy Amabile (D),
Matt Ball (D),
Jeff Bridges (D),
James Coleman (D),
Lisa Cutter (D),
Jessie Danielson (D),
Lindsey Daugherty (D),
Tony Exum (D),
Julie Gonzales (D),
Iman Jodeh (D),
Cathy Kipp (D),
Chris Kolker (D),
William Lindstedt (D),
Kyle Mullica (D),
Dylan Roberts (D),
Tom Sullivan (D),
Katie Wallace (D),
Last Action
House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Refer Amended to Appropriations (on 04/06/2026)
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://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-048 |
| Fiscal Note First Revised Fiscal Note | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/114539/download |
| House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Amendment L.002 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/19007/download |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/113831/download |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/113801/download |
| Senate Appropriations Amendment J.001 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/18647/download |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Budget Staff Analysis SA1 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/113435/download |
| Fiscal Note FN1 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/111238/download |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/110974/download |
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