2023 House Bill 4547

Family law: marriage and divorce; marriage license fee; increase and earmark.

A bill to amend 1887 PA 128, entitled “An act establishing the minimum ages for contracting marriages; to require a civil license in order to marry and its registration; to provide for the implementation of federal law; and to provide a penalty for the violation of this act,” by amending section 3 (MCL 551.103), as amended by 2006 PA 578.

House Fiscal Agency Analysis

House Bill 4547 would amend 1887 PA 128 to increase the marriage license fee from $20 to $50, and the additional fee paid by nonresidents from $10 to $25. The act requires $15 of each fee collected to be allocated to the circuit court for family counseling services, which must include counseling for domestic violence and child abuse. The act allows the probate court to order the county clerk to waive the marriage license fee if the fee would result in undue hardship.

Introduced in the House

May 11, 2023

Introduced by Rep. Will Snyder (D-87) and eight co-sponsors

Co-sponsored by Reps. Kimberly Edwards (D-12), Carrie Rheingans (D-47), Tullio Liberati (D-2), Erin Byrnes (D-15), Tyrone Carter (D-1), Rachel Hood (D-81), Veronica Paiz (D-11) and Denise Mentzer (D-61)

Referred to the Committee on Families, Children and Seniors

Oct. 17, 2023

Reported with substitute H-1

Dec. 12, 2024

Substitute H-1 concurred in by voice vote

Passed in the House 56 to 53 (details)

Motion to give immediate effect by Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-9)

The motion prevailed by voice vote