S.F. 2136 Section 1. Section 595.3, Code 2026, is amended by adding 1 the following new subsection: 2 NEW SUBSECTION . 6. Where the parties have not submitted 3 documentation with the application for a marriage license 4 demonstrating the parties attended one hour of premarriage 5 legal counseling provided by an attorney. The judicial branch, 6 in consultation with a private legal organization representing 7 lawyers in this state, shall prescribe the required content of 8 the premarriage legal counseling, including but not limited to 9 basic legal information about common marriage, dissolution of 10 marriage, and child custody issues. 11 EXPLANATION 12 The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with 13 the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. 14 This bill requires parties applying for a marriage license 15 to complete one hour of premarriage legal counseling provided 16 by an attorney. The bill directs the judicial branch, in 17 consultation with a private legal organization representing 18 lawyers in this state, to prescribe the content of the 19 counseling, including basic legal information concerning 20 common marriage, divorce, and child custody issues. A 21 marriage license will not be issued unless the parties submit 22 documentation confirming completion of the required counseling. 23 -1- LSB 5640XS (2) 91 lh/jh 1/ 1