ASSEMBLY, No. 3371

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

221st LEGISLATURE

INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman  STERLEY S. STANLEY

District 18 (Middlesex)

SYNOPSIS

     Provides for immediate issuance of marriage and civil union licenses.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

An Act concerning marriage and civil union licenses and amending R.S.37:1-4.

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

     1. R.S.37:1-4 is amended as follows:

     37:1-4. Issuance of marriage or civil union license[, emergencies], validity.

     The marriage or civil union license shall [not] be issued by a licensing officer [sooner than 72 hours after] immediately upon the filing of the application [therefor has been made; provided, however, that the Superior Court may, by order, waive all or any part of said 72-hour period in cases of emergency, upon satisfactory proof being shown to it. Said order shall be filed with the licensing officer and attached to the application for the license]. 

     A marriage or civil union license, when properly issued as provided in this article, shall be good and valid only for 30 days after the date of the issuance thereof.

(cf: P.L.2018, c.42, s.1)

     2. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

     This bill requires a marriage or civil union license to be issued immediately upon application.

     Under current law, after a couple applies for a marriage or civil union license there is a 72-hour waiting period before the license can be issued by the licensing officer.  The Superior Court may, by order, waive all or any part of the 72-hour period in cases of emergency, upon satisfactory proof being shown.

     This bill would provide that a marriage or civil union license would be issued by the licensing officer immediately upon filing of the application.