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LD 1185

An Act To Prohibit Persons Under 18 Years Of Age From Marrying

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kristen Cloutier and 9 co-sponsors

The act bans any marriage involving a person under 18 in Maine, codifying a minimum marriage age of 18.

Became Law without Governor's Signature
#domesticrelations #marriage #minimumage
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 1185

Summary: LD 1185 — An Act To Prohibit Persons Under 18 Years Of Age From Marrying

Overview

  • Bill number & title: LD 1185, An Act To Prohibit Persons Under 18 Years Of Age From Marrying
  • Jurisdiction: Maine Legislature (132nd Legislature)
  • Introduced: March 20, 2025
  • Status: Became law without the Governor’s signature (May 5, 2025)

Purpose and intent

The bill establishes a minimum-age requirement for marriage in Maine by prohibiting marriages involving anyone under the age of 18. The stated aim is to prevent child marriages and align Maine law with protections for minors.

Key provisions

  • Prohibition on marriage: No person under 18 may contract a marriage in Maine.
  • Legal effect: Marriages involving a party under 18 would be prohibited under the act. (Note: the available materials do not specify exceptions, waivers, or penalties; the primary provision is the age-based prohibition.)

Who is affected

  • Primary affected group: Individuals under 18 years of age who might otherwise seek to marry.
  • Administrative/administrative entities: Individuals and entities involved in issuing marriage licenses (e.g., clerks, town offices) would be responsible for enforcing the prohibition in practice.

Fiscal impact

  • Two fiscal notes associated with the bill indicate no fiscal impact on state or local finances.
    • Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement (Original Bill): No fiscal impact
    • Final/Engrossed Fiscal Note: No fiscal impact

Legislative history and process (highlights)

  • Committee: Judiciary
  • Key actions:
    • Referred to Judiciary (3/20/2025)
    • Work session and committee votes in April 2025
    • Passed the House and Senate in April 2025 (with multiple roll-call votes)
    • Sent for concurrence and enrolled in April 2025
    • Became law without the governor’s signature on May 5, 2025
  • The bill moved through the standard legislative process, including a revote and concurrence steps in both chambers.

Implementation and timeline notes

  • Introduction: March 20, 2025
  • Committee action: March–April 2025
  • Final legislative votes: April 2025
  • Law effect: May 5, 2025 (without gubernatorial signature)

Practical impact and context

  • This act strengthens protections against child marriage by codifying a minimum age of 18 for marriage in Maine.
  • It clarifies that persons under 18 cannot marry within the state, shifting practice for marriage license issuers and related civil processes.
  • No fiscal burden is anticipated by the state or municipalities based on the fiscal notes.

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

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