SB 359 (2024): raising the age of marriage to 18 years of age.

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“SB 359 (2024): raising the age of marriage to 18 years of age.” Granite Record, https://graniterecord.org/bill/2024/sb359. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
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Granite Record. “SB 359 (2024): raising the age of marriage to 18 years of age.” Accessed 24 Oct. 2026. https://graniterecord.org/bill/2024/sb359.
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@misc{bill-2024-sb359, title = {SB 359 (2024): raising the age of marriage to 18 years of age.}, howpublished = {Granite Record}, url = {https://graniterecord.org/bill/2024/sb359}, note = {Accessed 24 Oct. 2026} }

SB 359 (2024)

raising the age of marriage to 18 years of age.

  • Status: Signed into law
  • Term: 2023-2024
  • House committee: Children and Family Law
  • Senate committee: Judiciary
  • Subject: Domestic Relations
  • Chapter law: 81

The Story

It was introduced on January 3, 2024 and referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 1, 2024. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2024-0863s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2024-0863s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 7, 2024, changing the text of the bill. On March 7, 2024 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 7, 2024 and was referred to the House Children and Family Law committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 2, 2024, with 108 people signed in online: 104 in support and 4 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on April 2, 2024 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted 14–1 to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. A floor amendment (2024-1455h), offered by Rep. Yokela, was rejected on a division vote 169–195 on May 2, 2024. A floor amendment (2024-1700h), offered by Rep. Yokela, was rejected on a division vote 180–185 on May 2, 2024. On May 2, 2024 the House voted to pass it on a division vote 192–174. The bill was enrolled on May 23, 2024 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on June 14, 2024, making it Chapter 81 of the session laws. It took effect on January 1, 2025.

Sponsors

Hearings and Sessions

  • February 1, 2024, 9:15 AM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
  • April 2, 2024, 11:10 AM: public hearing, House Children and Family Law, LOB 206-208
  • April 2, 2024, 11:10 AM: executive session, House Children and Family Law, LOB 206-208

Votes

  • March 7, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2024-0863s — voice vote, passed
  • May 2, 2024, House: Adopt Floor Amendment — yeas 169, nays 195, failed
  • May 2, 2024, House: Adopt Floor Amendment — yeas 180, nays 185, failed
  • May 2, 2024, House: Ought to Pass — yeas 192, nays 174, passed

The Docket

  • January 3, 2024: To Be Introduced 01/03/2024 and Referred to Judiciary
  • February 1, 2024: Hearing: 02/01/2024, Room 100, SH, 09:15 am
  • March 7, 2024: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2024-0863s , 03/07/2024; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 9A
  • March 7, 2024: Committee Amendment #2024-0863s , AA, VV; 03/07/2024
  • March 7, 2024: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2024-0863s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/07/2024
  • March 7, 2024: Introduced 03/07/2024 and referred to Children and Family Law
  • April 2, 2024: Public Hearing: 04/02/2024 11:10 am LOB 206-208
  • April 2, 2024: Executive Session: 04/02/2024 11:10 am LOB 206-208
  • April 2, 2024: Committee Report: Ought to Pass 04/02/2024 (Vote 14-1; CC)
  • April 11, 2024: Removed from Consent (Reps. Yokela, Hoell, Santonastaso, T. Lekas, T. Mannion, A. Lekas, Gerhard, Cordelli, Drye, Peternel) 04/11/2024
  • April 11, 2024: Special Order Without Objection
  • May 2, 2024: FLAM #2024-1455h (Rep. Yokela): AF DV 169-195 05/02/2024
  • May 2, 2024: FLAM #2024-1700h (Rep. Yokela): AF DV 180-185 05/02/2024
  • May 2, 2024: Ought to Pass : MA DV 192-174 05/02/2024
  • May 22, 2024: Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/22/2024)
  • May 23, 2024: Enrolled (in recess of) 05/23/2024
  • June 14, 2024: Signed by the Governor on 06/14/2024; Chapter 0081; Effective 01/01/2025

Laws It Would Change

From the General Court