Alabama couples may need new marriage licenses

People applying for a marriage license in Alabama may soon face an additional requirement before they can sign the dotted line.

Bill 33, introduced by Alabama State Senator Rodger Smitherman, would require those applying for a marriage license to take a conflict resolution course before the marriage can be registered.

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In the bill, Smitherman writes that “in nearly 20 percent of all marriages and intimate partnerships, couples hit, shove, slap, or otherwise attack each other…emotional abuse, threats, demeaning comments, and controlling behavior are even more common.”

Couples would still have to pay to fill out a marriage certificate in addition to the notarization fee; However, the course cost and the responsible party for this payment remain unclear.

After completing the course, the couple receives a letter of confirmation from the state that allows them to file and register their marriage.

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If approved, the bill would take effect this fall.