HB 1217 - AS INTRODUCED
2000 SESSION
HOUSE BILL 1217
AN ACT establishing a committee to study marriage preparation.
SPONSORS: Rep. French, Merr 3; Rep. I. Pratt, Ches 5; Rep. Pilliod, Belk 3; Rep. Richardson, Ches 12; Rep. Rodd, Merr 3; Sen. Wheeler, Dist 21
COMMITTEE: Children and Family Law
This bill establishes a committee to study various approaches to marriage preparation.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
00-2273
04/09
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand
AN ACT establishing a committee to study marriage preparation.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Statement of Purpose. The general court hereby finds as follows:
I. That the divorce rate has been accelerating.
II. That since the family is the foundation of society, the marital relationship is the foundation of the family. Thus, strengthening the marital relationship will lead to stronger families, children, and communities, and a stronger economy.
III. That an inability to cope with stress leads to significantly higher incidents of domestic violence, child abuse, absenteeism, medical costs, learning and social deficiencies, and divorce.
IV. That relationship skills can be learned, and that once learned, such skills can facilitate communication between parties to a marriage and assist couples in avoiding conflict.
V. That the state of New Hampshire has a compelling interest in educating its citizens with regard to marriage and the effects of divorce.
2 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study marriage preparation and education in New Hampshire.
3 Membership and Compensation.
I. The members of the committee shall be as follows:
(a) Four members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house.
(b) Three members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
II. Members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee.
4 Duties. The duties of the committee shall be as follows:
I. To study the most recently available data relating to problems reported by married couples in New Hampshire and nationwide who seek marital or individual counseling services.
II. To study various approaches to premarital preparation including, but not limited to, courses dealing with conflict management, communication and relationship skills, financial responsibilities, and children and parenting responsibilities.
III. To study marriage preparation programs in other states, including specifically, the Marriage Preparation and Preservation Act of 1998, enacted by the state of Florida, codified at Laws of Florida, 1998, ch. 403.
IV. To study any other issue deemed by the committee to be in furtherance of its objectives and purpose.
V. To recommend legislation based on its findings.
5 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the study committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Four members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.
6 Report. The committee shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2000.
7 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.