2004 House Bill 5474 / Public Act 508

Allow clergy to give marriage license prerequisite class

Introduced in the House

Feb. 5, 2004

Introduced by Rep. John Gleason (D-48)

To expand the exemptions for certain clerics from licensure requirements that apply to professional marriage and family therapists and counselors. Under current law, clergy employed by a tax-exempt church are already exempt. The bill would extend this to an ordained cleric or other religious practitioner who has been authorized by law to officiate at a marriage, and who meets certain specified experience requirements. The bill is part of a legislative package comprised of House Bills 5467 to 5474. Senate Bills 959 to 966 are the same bills.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

May 6, 2004

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 19, 2004

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 95 to 12 (details)

Received in the Senate

May 20, 2004

Referred to the Committee on Families and Human Services

May 25, 2004

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Sept. 23, 2004

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Sept. 28, 2004

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described. The substitute also transfers some of its provisions to Senate Bill 959.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Sept. 29, 2004

Passed in the Senate 36 to 0 (details)

To expand the exemptions for certain clerics from licensure requirements that apply to professional marriage and family therapists and counselors. Under current law, clergy employed by a tax-exempt church are already exempt. The bill would extend this to an ordained cleric or other religious practitioner who has been authorized by law to officiate at a marriage, and who meets certain specified experience requirements. The bill is part of a legislative package comprised of House Bills 5467 to 5474 and Senate Bills 959 to 966.

Received in the House

Sept. 29, 2004

Dec. 9, 2004

Amendment offered by Rep. Joanne Voorhees (R-77)

To link the bill to legislation authorizing a $50 income tax credit for prospective newlyweds who take pre-marriage training, and requiring parents seeking a divorce to take training in the effect of divorce on children and have a "parenting plan" in place.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 99 to 3 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill, after linking it to legislation authorizing a $50 income tax credit for prospective newlyweds who take pre-marriage training, and requiring parents seeking a divorce to take training in the effect of divorce on children and have a "parenting plan" in place.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 9, 2004

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.

Passed in the Senate 32 to 3 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Dec. 29, 2004

But will not go into effect because the bill was "tie-barred" to House Bill 5467, meaning this bill cannot go into effect unless that one also becomes law. However, HB 5467 was vetoed.