What's happening
This bill allows married couples in New York to combine their last names using either a hyphen or a space.
Why it matters
Expands personal choice and cultural expression. By allowing a space (not just a hyphen) to combine last names, couples have more flexibility to reflect their identities, traditions, or preferences in their shared surname.
Addresses practical and legal consistency. Some institutions or official documents might treat hyphens and spaces differently; this change could reduce confusion or administrative hassles for couples wishing to use a space-separated surname.
Modernizes state law. Recognizes evolving norms around marriage and naming conventions, making it easier for couples to create a family name that feels right for them without being restricted by outdated formatting rules.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Allow Space-Separated Last Names
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 7
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Substituted by A3487
- Ordered to third reading cal.354
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- 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.
Allow Space in Last Names
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Jo Anne Simon
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4622
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
March 15, 2019
Introduced by Sen. KAPLAN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Judiciary
AN ACT to amend the domestic relations law, in relation to permitting combination last name changes to occur when separated by a space
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Clause (iv) of subparagraph 3 of paragraph (b) of subdivision 1 of section 15 of the domestic relations law, as added by chapter 583 of the laws of 1985, is amended to read as follows:
(iv) a combination name separated by a hyphen or space, provided that each part of such combination surname is the premarriage surname, or any former surname, of each of the spouses.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01328-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the domestic relations law, in relation to permitting combination last name changes to occur when sepa- rated by a space
Purpose or general idea of bill
an act to amend the domestic relations law, in relation to permitting combination last name changes to occur when separated by a space.
Summary of specific provisions
section 1. Clause (iv) of subparagraph 3 of paragraph (b) of subdivision 1 of section 15 of the domestic relations law, as added by chapter 583 of the laws of 1985 is amended.
Justification
Women contemplating the choice of whether and how to adopt her spouses surname upon marriage deserve flexibility and ease with the process. This bill seeks to add the option of having a combined last name sepa- rated by a space rather than a hyphen (a "double-barreled surname"). This option is absent from the choices currently available in the domes- tic relations law.
Prior legislative history
none
Fiscal implications
none
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.