HB48 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Marriage, minimum age of contracting marriage increased from the age of 16 to age 17, Sec. 30-1-4 am'd.

Summary

HB 48 would raise Alabama's minimum age to marry to 18.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 30-1-4 to declare that a person under 18 cannot contract a marriage, effectively raising the legal marriage age. It would apply to all marriages in Alabama. The change would take effect on the first day of the third month after the bill is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Minors under 18 who would otherwise be able to marry under current law (they would no longer be allowed to).
• Marriage license offices, court clerks, and other officials who issue marriage licenses or oversee marriages, who must enforce the new age requirement.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 30-1-4 to set the minimum marriage age at 18.
• Explicitly states that persons under 18 are incapable of contracting marriage.
• Provides the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and gubernatorial approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Marriage