District of ColumbiaD.C. mayor could issue marriage licenses if federal shutdowns halt licensing
Couples marrying in D.C. could get licenses from the mayor when a federal shutdown stops the Superior Court clerk from issuing them.
What it does
D.C.'s mayor could issue marriage licenses and approve people to perform weddings when a full or partial federal shutdown stops the Superior Court clerk from issuing licenses.
For marriage licenses D.C.'s mayor issues during federal shutdowns, the mayor would keep records and share copies with the court. Certified copies would count as evidence of marriage.
Argument forCouples could avoid wedding delays by getting marriage licenses from the mayor when a federal shutdown stops the court from issuing them.
Argument againstKeeping marriage records and sending court copies within five business days could put time pressure on the mayor's staff during shutdowns.
More detail
The mayor would be authorized to issue marriage licenses and approve people to perform weddings. This authority would cover marriages in D.C. The mayor could use this authority only while a full or partial federal shutdown keeps the court clerk from issuing licenses. The bill would take effect after the mayor approves it or the Council overrides a veto, and after a 30-day congressional review period.
The mayor would keep marriage records and share copies with the Superior Court clerk. The records would cover licenses the mayor issues and marriage certificates returned to the mayor. Copies kept and certified by the mayor or the court clerk would count as evidence of marriage. The mayor would send each copy within five business days after issuing a license or receiving a returned marriage certificate.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Nov 2Committee Mark-up of B26-0441 by the Judiciary and Public Safety CommitteeLatest
- Sep 23Public Hearing on B26-0441 View Public Hearing Record
- Sep 4Notice of Public Hearing Published in the District of Columbia Register
- Aug 31Notice of Public Hearing filed in the Office of Secretary by Judiciary and Public SafetyMinor
- 2025
- Oct 24Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0441 Published in the District of Columbia Register
- Oct 21Referred to Committee on Judiciary and Public SafetyMinor
- Oct 20B26-0441 Introduced by Councilmember Henderson at Office of the SecretaryIntroduced
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