BILL NUMBER: S7249

SPONSOR: KENNEDY
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the domestic relations law, in
relation to waiving the fee for marriage licenses for active duty
members of the armed forces

 
PURPOSE:

This bill waives the state fee for marriage licenses for active duty
members of the armed forces and allows the local governments to do the
same if they choose to.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1. Subdivision 3 of section 14-a of the domestic relations law,
as amended by chapter 297 of the laws of 1963, is amended to read as
follows:

b. A town or city may elect to waive the fee for a certificate when
either of the parties making application for such certificate is a
              

member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty.

 
EXISTING LAW:

None

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Everyday, New Yorkers wake up knowing that this great nation is safe
from those who would take away our freedoms. These freedoms exist
because of our military and more specifically the young men and women
who chose to actively serve. Their commitment to our nation and the
communities we live in have never been stronger. Those of us serving in
the New York State legislature can show our appreciation by giving back
to them.

This bill simply says thank you to any man or women actively serving and
wishes to get married in New York State. It waives the state portion of
marriage license fees for young men and women who are actively serving
in our military and provides local governments the option to do the
same. It is but a small gesture to show our gratitude and thanks for
their service.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

02/24/16 REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
05/24/16 REPORTED TO FINANCE

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined

 
LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: a

To be determined

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill shall take effect immediately