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SJ 15

Resolution on Obergefell

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Phalen

SJ 15 was a joint resolution about Obergefell that died in committee, leaving no legal effect and no change to marriage rights.

(S) Died in Process
#generaljointresolution #courts #familylaw
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Bill Summary · SJ 15

Summary — SJ 15: “Resolution on Obergefell”

Status: Joint resolution (SJ 15) — Introduced Jan 22, 2025; Died in Process May 23, 2025
Subjects: Courts; Family Law; General Joint Resolution
Related bill: LC 1985 (replaced)

Purpose / intent

The bill title indicates SJ 15 was a legislative joint resolution concerning Obergefell — the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) that recognized same‑sex marriage as a right under the U.S. Constitution. No searchable bill text was provided in the docket information available here, so the precise language and immediate intent (e.g., to express a legislative opinion, request federal action, or propose a state constitutional change) are not included in the record supplied.

Procedural history (key dates)

  • 2025-01-22: Referred to Joint Committee on Government Administration and Elections (initial filing date listed as Jan 22, 2025).
  • 2025-02-19: Introduced and first reading in the Senate. Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on 2025-02-21.
  • 2025-02-25 and 2025-03-03: Senate Judiciary hearings held. On 2025-03-03 the committee report indicates “Resolution Not Adopted” and the resolution was tabled in committee.
  • 2025-04-07: Noted as “Missed Deadline for Revenue Bill Transmittal” (procedural notation).
  • 2025-05-23: Final status recorded as (S) Died in Process.

The legislative counsel docket shows preparatory draft work beginning Nov 27, 2024 and multiple draft milestones in February 2025. The bill replaced LC 1985.

Likely content and key provisions (based on title and typical uses of such resolutions)

Because the actual text is not in the record provided, resolutions titled “Resolution on Obergefell” commonly take one or more of these forms:
- A formal statement expressing the legislature’s position about the Obergefell decision (supportive or opposed).
- A joint resolution urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment (either to overrule or to codify the Obergefell ruling).
- A request that the state’s congressional delegation take a particular action.
- A proposed state constitutional or statutory change (less common as a “resolution” unless initiating a referendum or constitutional amendment process).

If SJ 15 had included substantive changes (e.g., directing state courts or officials), it would have legal and administrative impacts on county clerks, state courts, marriage licensing, and same‑sex couples — but any resolution that attempted to nullify a U.S. Supreme Court decision would conflict with federal constitutional supremacy and likely face legal challenge.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: state courts, clerks who issue marriage licenses, and families/couples if the resolution sought changes to state recognition or enforcement.
  • Secondary: state executive officials (Attorney General, Governor) and the state’s congressional delegation if the resolution requested federal action.

Impact and next steps

SJ 15 did not advance out of committee and died in process. Because no final text was adopted, it has no legal effect. For authoritative content or to assess legal impacts, consult the official bill text and committee reports (if available) or contact the legislative clerk for the replaced LC 1985 and any archived drafts.

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

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