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SB 3294

AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lou DiPalma and 3 co-sponsors

The bill temporarily authorizes Joseph Couto to solemnize a specific marriage for Brandon Kemmy and Jacqueline Manousos in Tiverton, RI, on or about August 2, 2026.

06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3294

Summary of SB 3294 (Session: 2026) – Rhode Island

Main purpose and intent

  • The bill, titled “AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES,” authorizes a specific individual, Joseph Couto, to solemnize a marriage between Brandon Kemmy and Jacqueline Manousos in Tiverton, Rhode Island.
  • It provides a narrowly tailored exception to allow this action on or about August 2, 2026.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1: Grants authority for Joseph Couto to join Brandon Kemmy and Jacqueline Manousos in marriage within the Town of Tiverton, RI, on or about August 2, 2026.
    • Couto is explicitly authorized and empowered to perform the marriage ceremony under Chapter 3 of Title 15 of the General Laws, which governs the solemnization of marriages.
  • Section 2: Provides that the act takes effect upon passage (no delay or separate implementation date).

Who or what would be affected

  • Joseph Couto: Receives a one-time or time-limited authorization to solemnize a specific marriage.
  • Brandon Kemmy and Jacqueline Manousos: The couple whose marriage Couto is authorized to solemnize.
  • Tiverton, Rhode Island: Location where the authorized marriage is to take place.
  • The broader framework for solemnization remains governed by existing laws (Chapter 3 of Title 15), but this act creates a special, targeted exception.

Procedural or timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced May 15, 2026; referred to Senate Judiciary.
  • Effective date: Immediate upon passage (no separate effective date).
  • Specific timing: The authorization applies “on or about August 2, 2026,” indicating a narrow window for the solemnization to occur.

Practical considerations

  • The bill appears to be highly targeted and ceremonial in nature, granting a specialized authorization for a single marriage ceremony.
  • It does not establish a general policy change affecting the broader process of marriage solemnization in Rhode Island, but rather creates a specific, temporary exception for the named individuals and date.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language explainer for readers unfamiliar with Rhode Island’s marriage laws or place this bill in a broader policy context.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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