Bill Would Spell Out the Marriage Contract
SACRAMENTO — Marriage license applicants would be handed lists of their new legal rights and responsibilities under a bill sent to the governor on Tuesday.
The Assembly vote was 56 to 20 for the bill by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-South San Francisco).
It would require the Judicial Council to develop a fact sheet listing contractual and legal rights and obligations of marriage.
Speier said her bill would require that applicants be given a brochure on genetic defects and diseases and be informed of laws relating to marriage.
A sponsoring group, the National Organization for Women, said people signing most other contracts are advised in writing of their rights and obligations.
“Marriage is far more important than buying a car and yet most couples have only a vague idea what community property means or how changing their names might affect their credit ratings,” NOW wrote.
Assemblyman Tim Leslie (R-Carmichael) in debate said he opposes the government telling people how marriage should be conducted.
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
