Bill

HR 1006

TO RECOGNIZE FEBRUARY 7-14, 2025, AS NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Ray

Symbolic Arkansas resolution recognizes Feb 7-14, 2025 as National Marriage Week and urges voluntary, community actions to strengthen marriages; no legal changes or funding.

READ AND ADOPTED.

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HR 1006

Summary — HR 1006 (Arkansas House Resolution)

Title: To recognize February 7–14, 2025, as National Marriage Week
Classification: House resolution (symbolic)

Main purpose and intent

HR 1006 is a non‑binding House resolution from the 95th Arkansas General Assembly that formally acknowledges the institution of marriage as a stabilizing social force and recognizes February 7–14, 2025, as “National Marriage Week.” The resolution cites academic research on the social, health, economic, and child‑development benefits associated with healthy marriages and encourages community efforts to strengthen marriages.

Key provisions and language

Acknowledges marriage as “a healthy and stabilizing force for good in society” and as the foundation of strong families and communities.
Summarizes research findings asserting that married people tend to have: healthier lifestyles, longer life expectancy, more satisfying sexual relationships, greater wealth and assets.
States that healthy marriages reduce crime, domestic violence, substance abuse, poverty, juvenile delinquency, and suicide risk.
Notes pronounced positive effects on children raised by married parents (higher rates of high‑school graduation, college attendance, better academic/emotional outcomes, higher adult earnings).
Asserts that healthy marriages reduce demand for government assistance and save taxpayers “hundreds of millions of dollars annually.”
Commends and encourages residents, faith communities, businesses, organizations, and community leaders to support marriage-strengthening activities (education programs, conferences, celebrations) and public policies that support marriage.
Officially recognizes February 7–14, 2025, as National Marriage Week in Arkansas.

Who is affected

The resolution is ceremonial and hortatory: it does not create rights, duties, programs, funding, or regulatory changes.
Its practical effect is limited to encouraging voluntary, local, or private actions by individuals, faith groups, nonprofits, businesses, and policymakers.

Procedural timeline (as provided)

2025-01-15: Filed (document header shows 01/15/2025).
2025-01-15 & 2025-01-23: Additional filings / committee return (listed).
2025-02-05: Introduced in House; referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.
2025-02-06: Read and adopted.
2025-04-29: Filed.
2025-05-01: Referred to Local & Consent Calendars.
2025-05-22: Considered in Local & Consent Calendars.
2025-05-23: Placed on Congratulatory & Memorial Resolutions Calendar; laid before the House; adopted (nonrecord vote).
2025-05-24: Reported enrolled.
Status: Read and adopted.

Impact and limitations

Symbolic recognition intended to raise awareness and encourage voluntary programs and local initiatives to support marriage.
No statutory amendments, budget appropriations, enforcement mechanisms, or mandatory actions are created.
Any measurable policy effects would depend on subsequent actions by state agencies, local governments, community organizations, or private entities responding to the resolution’s call to promote marriage‑supportive activities.

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