AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Justine Caldwell and 3 co-sponsors

Authorizes a named individual, Meghan McEntee, to solemnize a specific couple’s marriage in Narragansett on or about Sept 25, 2026.

06/26/2026 Effective without Governor's signature

Summary of HB 8627 (2026) — Rhode Island

Purpose and intent

The bill, titled "An Act Relating to Solemnization of Marriages," appears to authorize a specific marriage arrangement that, on its face, would allow a named individual to solemnize a same-sex or opposite-sex marriage in Narragansett, RI.

It is a targeted, one-time authorization rather than a broad policy change affecting general marriage solemnization procedures.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1:

Grants Meghan Elizabeth McEntee the authority to join Taylor Lauren Criscuolo and Michael Joseph McEntee Jr. in marriage.
The marriage is to take place in the Town of Narragansett, Rhode Island, on or about September 25, 2026.
The authorization is pursuant to and in accordance with Chapter 3 of Title 15 of the Rhode Island General Laws (Solemnization of Marriages).

Section 2:

The act takes effect upon passage (immediate effect upon enactment).

Affected parties and entities

Individuals:

Meghan Elizabeth McEntee (authorized to perform the marriage).
Taylor Lauren Criscuolo (one of the marrying parties).
Michael Joseph McEntee Jr. (the other marrying party).

Location:

Narragansett, Rhode Island (specific town for the ceremony).

Governmental/process context:

Only affects the authorization of a single wedding ceremony by a specific individual; it does not appear to modify general marriage laws for others or establish a broad policy.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: June 10, 2026.

Status: House read and passed on June 10, 2026.

Effective date: Upon passage (immediate) as per Section 2.

The date of the ceremony is described as “on or about September 25, 2026,” indicating a near-term, scheduled event contingent on enactment.

Practical impact and considerations

This bill provides a one-time, explicit authorization for a named person to solemnize a specific marriage, within a defined location and approximate date.

It does not propose changes to the general framework for who can solemnize marriages in Rhode Island beyond this particular authorization.

If the ceremony proceeds as planned, the marriage would be recognized under Rhode Island law, provided other standard requirements for marriage eligibility are met.

Note

The explanatory text confirms the bill’s narrow scope: a single authorizing act for Meghan Elizabeth McEntee to perform the marriage for Taylor Criscuolo and Michael McEntee Jr. on a specified date in Narragansett.