Bill > S831

This bill amends Chapter 207 of the General Laws to allow Justices of the Peace, who are authorized to solemnize marriages, to advertise their services more broadly. Previously, the law was more restrictive, but this bill permits them to advertise their name, business address, phone number, legal fees, availability, any second language they speak, and past or present professional affiliations through various public media, including phone books, online directories, newspapers, radio, television, and websites. The bill also clarifies that this does not prohibit the use of business cards, as long as they do not display the seal of the Commonwealth, and it establishes a fine of $10 to $100 for advertising marriage ceremonies by any other prohibited means.