Bill > SB159

This bill, by amending existing South Dakota law, establishes that generally, both individuals applying for a marriage license must be at least eighteen years old when the license is issued, raising the minimum age for marriage. However, exceptions are made for individuals who are at least sixteen years old, provided they obtain a circuit court order after a hearing where the judge determines the marriage is voluntary and in the minor's best interest, or they secure notarized written consent from parents or legal guardians, with specific requirements for one or both applicants being minors. Crucially, a marriage license will not be issued under these exceptions if the age difference between the applicants exceeds four years, and a marriage license cannot be issued until thirty days after judicial approval. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that a person who solemnizes a marriage knowing that either party under eighteen has not met these new requirements, or that either party is of unsound mind, or that any other legal impediment exists, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is a serious criminal offense.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/26940