In support of JPs, JPus opposed JP for a Day. The bill died in committee. In March 2018 a bill came before the Connecticut General Assembly’s (CGA) Judicial Committee to create a JP for a Day. JPus mobilized our membership and engaged with the Connecticut Town Clerk Association. As a result of our advocacy both submitted testimony opposing this legislation (SB-396). In addition to testifying before the Judiciary Committee on March 9, 2018, JPus submitted written testimony. We were successful, and the bill died in committee. Read all about the behind-the-scenes activity here. Related Links See all of JPus’ efforts to address the problems […]

The Justice of the Peace Association is strongly opposed to any marriage that involves minor children. The association’s membership is also opposed, stating that they would not perform such ceremonies. Connecticut is poised to ban child marriage in the state. We await the Governor’s signature on the bill that passed both the House and Senate. Legislative Activity 2023 State Representative Jillian Gilchrest introduced HB 6569, An Act Concerning the Minimum Age to Be Able to Marry, with bipartisan co-sponsors. JPus’ managing member Loretta Jay testified at the hearing before the Judiciary Committee on February 27, 2023. JPus submitted written testimony […]

In response to many complaints from Connecticut JPs and Town Clerks, in 2022 the Justice of the Peace Association researched how civil marriage officiants are appointed in the state. Given that, the following white paper summarizes our findings and legislative recommendations. Related Links On March 10, 2023, JPus testified to the Connecticut Planning and Development Committee. See JPus’s survey results about officiant qualifications and appointments. See how JPus is advocating to address the problems with amateur officiants Learn about the JP and notary role, state-by-state We advocate on other marriage-related issues

  On February 27, 2023, the Joint Committee on Judiciary heard testimony on HB6569, Connecticut’s bill to end child marriage. JPus’ managing member, Loretta Jay, gave oral testimony and submitted this written testimony in support of the legislation. Related Links Legislative activity in Connecticut to end child marriage Information and a link to view JPus’ panel discussion about child marriage in Connecticut. Landing page for JPus activity involving child marriage in all of our states. Follow our state-by-state changes to marriage laws Education and training for officiants about child and forced marriage How membership voted to join the Coalition to End […]

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE CONFERENCE Saturday March 25, 2017 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Continental Breakfast at 8:30 a.m.) Bristol City Hall 111 North Main Street Bristol, Connecticut Theme: “Finding Your Unique Voice as a JP” Special Guest: Peter Merry, renowned wedding guru   PRESENTATIONS  Finding Your Unique Voice as a JP by Peter Merry Promoting Your Unique Services by Peter Merry A Mock Wedding Ceremony: Ideas for Running a Rehearsal and a Wedding Ceremony, Shelley Schulman, officiant JP Panel Discussion: What Makes YOU Unique? moderated by Peter Merry BREAKOUT SESSIONS Ready, Set, Go! A Working Guide to a Successful Ceremony […]