SF 2136 (LSB 5640XS (2) 91)

SENATE FILE 2136

BY  GREEN

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to marriage license requirements by requiring premarriage legal counseling.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 595.3, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  6.  Where the parties have not submitted documentation with the application for a marriage license demonstrating the parties attended one hour of premarriage legal counseling provided by an attorney. The judicial branch, in consultation with a private legal organization representing lawyers in this state, shall prescribe the required content of the premarriage legal counseling, including but not limited to basic legal information about common marriage, dissolution of marriage, and child custody issues.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill requires parties applying for a marriage license to complete one hour of premarriage legal counseling provided by an attorney. The bill directs the judicial branch, in consultation with a private legal organization representing lawyers in this state, to prescribe the content of the counseling, including basic legal information concerning common marriage, divorce, and child custody issues. A marriage license will not be issued unless the parties submit documentation confirming completion of the required counseling.