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SB 1166

Family law: marriage and divorce; authority to solemnize marriage; modify. Amends sec. 16 of 1846 RS 83 (MCL 551.16).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Veronica Klinefelt

Authorizes more officiants (civil celebrants, township supervisors, state legislators) to solemnize marriages; preserves good-faith marriages; tied to SB 1044.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
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Bill Summary · SB 1166

SB 1166 — Summary (Marriage solemnization authority; amend MCL 551.16)

Purpose / Intent

SB 1166 would update Michigan’s statutory protections for marriages solemnized by certain officiants by aligning Section 16 of Chapter 83 (of the 1846 Revised Statutes — MCL 551.16) with the changes proposed in Senate Bill 1044 (S-2). The primary aim is to broaden who may lawfully solemnize a marriage and to preserve the validity of marriages solemnized in good faith.

Key provisions

  • Amends MCL 551.16 to reflect the changes in SB 1044 (S-2).
  • Explicitly authorizes additional persons to solemnize marriages, including:
    • A “civil celebrant” (defined as an individual at least 18 years old who performs ceremonies in accordance with the client couple’s wishes),
    • A township supervisor, and
    • A State legislator.
  • Maintains the existing statutory protection that a marriage solemnized before specified officials or religious practitioners is not voided for lack of jurisdiction or authority if the parties reasonably believed they were lawfully married.
  • The bill is tie-barred to SB 1044 — it does not take effect unless SB 1044 also becomes law.

Who would be affected

  • Couples seeking marriage: increases non‑religious and local options for officiants.
  • New categories of officiants: civil celebrants (as defined), township supervisors, and State legislators (if SB 1044 is enacted).
  • County clerks and local governments: may see modest administrative implications tied to officiant recognition but no new fees or state fiscal obligations are required by this bill.
  • Courts and family law practitioners: will apply the broadened protection in disputes over marriage validity.

Procedural status & timeline

  • Primary sponsor (Senate-passed version): Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (analysis dated 12-13-2024).
  • Bill amends 1846 RS 83 (MCL 551.16).
  • Fiscal analysts report: no fiscal impact on state or local governments.
  • Current reported status (per supplied bill header): referred to Committee on Government Operations (introduced 02/07/2025). The enactment of this amendment is conditioned on SB 1044 also being enacted.

Notes / Considerations

  • "Civil celebrant" is minimally defined — SB 1166 does not establish licensing, credentialing, or training requirements for celebrants; whether additional rules or standards follow would depend on further legislation or administrative action.
  • The tie-bar to SB 1044 means the substantive change will not become law if SB 1044 fails to pass.

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

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