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Bill > A3668
NJ A3668
NJ A3668Permits 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 couples to obtain a marriage or civil union license and have their ceremony solemnized using audio-visual technology, which means they can participate remotely via video conference instead of needing to be physically present. This change modernizes current law, which requires in-person appearances for both obtaining a license and for the ceremony itself, including the presence of two witnesses. To use audio-visual technology, the video conference must be live and interactive, participants must provide valid identification and necessary documents, and all parties, including the couple and witnesses, must sign the relevant documents and transmit them securely to the licensing official or officiant. The bill also specifies that the officiant must confirm their physical location within the state and that the solemnization will be recorded as occurring in that municipality. The Commissioner of Health will establish rules to implement these provisions, and the act takes effect immediately.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly 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/A3668 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3668_I1.HTM |
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