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Sponsors
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History
- Referred to judiciary
- Referred to judiciary
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Relates to the authorization of solemnization of marriages by a civil celebrant
Assembly Floor Calendar · Sponsor Latoya Joyner
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S4189
Title of bill
An act to amend the domestic relations law, in relation to solemnization of marriages by a civil celebrant
Purpose of the bill
The purpose of the bill is to expand the list of individuals authorized to solemnize marriages by including civil celebrants who are trained and certified to solemnize marriages.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 of the bill amends subdivision 1 of section 11 of the domestic relations law to authorize a civil celebrant who is certified by the Secretary of State to solemnize marriages. In addition, Section 1 adds a new subsection 1-b to establish certification requirements and procedures for certificate revocation.
Section 2 provides for this act to take effect immediately.
Justification
Under the existing law, marriage may be solemnized by a clergyman or minister of any religion, leaders of the Society for Ethical Culture, and certain public officials and judges. This legislation would add to this list of individuals civil celebrants who are properly trained and certified to solemnize marriages.
According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center on Religion and Public Life, nearly 16% of those polled said that they are unaffiliated with any particular religion. This number indicates a growing need for ceremony professionals who can conduct wedding ceremonies outside the confines of traditional religious institutions.
Civil celebrants are professional ceremony officiants who are trained and educated on the history of celebrancy, ceremonial public speaking, client relationships and interviewing, and other related areas. This legislation recognizes the changing face of families by providing couples of all backgrounds, traditions, cultures and faiths greater choice in how they want to mark the beginning of their married life together. Moreover, the certification requirements for civil celebrants raise the level of professionalism by mandating successful completion of education and training for all licensed celebrants.
Prior legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
None.
Effective date
This act would take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.