Bill Would Spell Out the Marriage Contract
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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.
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