Bill Text: TX HCR39 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Designating Rockwall County as the official Marriage Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Introduced) 2025-03-05 - Referred to Culture, Recreation & Tourism [HCR39 Detail]

Download: Texas-2025-HCR39-Introduced.html

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By: Pierson H.C.R. No. 39

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, For more than 70 years, Rockwall County has been a
sought-after destination for brides- and grooms-to-be, and its
popularity as a marriage location is known throughout the Lone Star
State; and
WHEREAS, During the 1940s and 1950s, couples flocked to
Rockwall County to tie the knot because of the unique approach that
the county took to administrating marriages in that era; a night
watchman at the courthouse, Gene Payne, filled in as the deputy
county clerk, which allowed marriage licenses to be issued at all
hours; in addition, a local doctor kept his office open late to
provide the blood tests that were required before a license could be
issued; the popularity of Rockwall County as a place to say "I do"
was such that justice of the peace Mildred Barnes, one of only a few
women in the state to serve in that role at the time, officiated the
weddings of more than 6,000 couples from 1952 to 1957; and
WHEREAS, The practice of issuing marriage licenses around the
clock ended in the 1950s, when the county was required by law to
provide this service during regular business hours; nevertheless,
the county has remained a top choice for prospective newlyweds
drawn by the uncommon beauty and elegance of its marriage
certificates, which have long been among the most coveted in the
state; the county is further admired for its wide selection of
wedding venues that suit a variety of tastes and styles, ranging
from luxurious manors to scenic gardens and pastoral ranch venues;
and
WHEREAS, Rockwall County has long served as the setting where
couples have shared their vows and embarked upon a momentous
journey together, and it is indeed fitting that the county be
formally recognized for its special connection to the institution
of marriage, both historically and in the present day; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate Rockwall County as the official Marriage Capital
of Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of
Section 391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in
effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is
finally passed by the legislature.