Maine raises age to wed
Children must be 16 to marry in Maine
Not quite what we were hoping for, but a step in the right direction. The minimum age to marry in Maine is now 16. Prior to this new law going into effect on January 1, 2020, any child, no matter how young, was allowed to marry if their parent and a probate judge approved.
- Read more about JPus’ work to end child marriage
- Stay current with other changes to marriage laws
MA – Call to Action
End Child Marriage in Massachusetts – Call to Action
Last summer’s bill to end child marriage is now in the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee. Follow our step-by-step guide to contact your legislators and let them know why you oppose child marriage.
Read more about it here.
Support to End Child Marriage – NH
18 to Wed – No exceptions
The Justice of the Peace Association submitted written testimony in support of HB 1516. The bill would end all marriages in the state of New Hampshire for anyone younger than 18. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 1:30. See JPus’ statement and read more about our work to end child marriage.
Child Marriage in MA
Pending Legislation Would End Child Marriage in Massachusetts
Timed to coincide with Word Children’s Day, JPus submitted testimony to the Massachusetts House of Representatives voicing our support of S 2294, An Act to End Child Marriage. Read our testimony and follow the bill’s progression through the Senate and House. In addition, JPus encourages Massachusetts residents to contact their state Representatives. Every voice counts.
1-Day Solemnizer Hearing Scheduled
Hearing on October 1st
The Massachusetts Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight scheduled its hearing on the Resolve providing for an investigation and study by special commission relative to the one-day solemnizer rule (Resolve S1831) for Tuesday, October 1, 2019 between 1:00-3:00. This is exciting news! JPus was instrumental in bringing this bill forward: writing a white paper about the rule and working with Senator Julian Cyr, the bill’s sponsor.
JPus’ Loretta Jay will join Senator Cyr and testify in support of the bill. Massachusetts JPs are encouraged to contact members of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and encourage them to vote in support of the bill, and to also testify in person. See the bill here and follow its progress through the legislature. Read more about the problems related to the 1-Day Rule. Stay tuned for additional guidance on getting involved.