A bill proposed by Sen. Julie Raque Adams that would provide court oversight on petitions for a marriage license for 17 year-olds (SB48), is set for a second hearing in my committee tomorrow morning, and I plan to call the bill for a vote.
After working with Donna Pollard (Survivors' Corner) and the Family Foundation we have arrived at an amendment to the bill the requires parental consent, but critically requires a court to review the petition to prevent the same kind of abuse that Donna Pollard experienced as a child.
Contrary to what was believed by so many on social media, the bill sponsor and I worked together on this amendment and the bill was never not going to be heard. I said as much after our first hearing on the bill back in February. I’m looking forward to seeing it pass committee in the morning and then hopefully be voted on the Senate floor soon thereafter.
For those asking, the amendment (known as a “proposed senate substitute”) is attached below.