Bill Text: TX SCR6 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Enrolled

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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 2)

Status: (Passed) 2025-05-29 - Signed by the Governor [SCR6 Detail]

Download: Texas-2025-SCR6-Enrolled.html

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S.C.R. No. 6

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, For more than 90 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, Couples have flocked to Rockwall County to tie the
knot since the early decades of the 20th century, and the area
gained further acclaim during the 1940s and 1950s, when the county
took a unique approach to administrating marriages; 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.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 6 was adopted by the Senate
on April 10, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 6 was adopted by the House
on May 16, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 84, Nays 38,
three present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor