WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 3314

AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sue Sosnowski

Authorizes Kimberley Gaffett to solemnize a specific marriage for Bonnie Phyllis Nolan and David Gaffett Spier in New Shoreham, RI, on or about October 3, 2026.

06/26/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3314

Summary of SB 3314 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is an act relating to the solemnization of marriages.
  • Its stated purpose is to authorize a specific individual, Kimberley Gaffett, to solemnize a marriage between Bonnie Phyllis Nolan and David Gaffett Spier in the Town of New Shoreham, Rhode Island, on or about October 3, 2026.
  • It specifies that this authority is granted notwithstanding any other general or special law to the contrary.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1 authorizes Kimberley Gaffett to join (solemnize) a marriage between Bonnie Phyllis Nolan and David Gaffett Spier.
    • Location: Town of New Shoreham (Block Island, RI).
    • Date: On or about October 3, 2026.
    • Authority: Kimberley Gaffett is 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 states the act takes effect upon passage.

Who/what is affected

  • Individuals directly affected:
    • Kimberley Gaffett gains authority to solemnize a specific marriage.
    • Bonnie Phyllis Nolan and David Gaffett Spier are the couple to be married.
  • Jurisdiction and process:
    • The Town of New Shoreham (Block Island) is the jurisdiction where the ceremony would occur.
    • The bill does not appear to alter ongoing marriage laws beyond this specific authorization for a named individual to perform this particular ceremony.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced by Senator V. Susan Sosnowski (co-sponsored by Sue Sosnowski).
  • Introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 22, 2026.
  • The act becomes effective upon passage (immediate applicability once enacted).

Notes

  • The bill is narrowly tailored to authorize a single ceremonial act by a named individual on a specified date and location.
  • It does not establish broad changes to Rhode Island marriage solemnization laws beyond this particular authorization.

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

Sign in to ask a question.