INDIANAPOLIS — A legislative proposal in Indiana would quadruple fees on marriage licenses and certificates unless couples complete marriage preparation classes.
Bill sponsor Republican Rep. Cindy Noe of Indianapolis says the idea is to strengthen Indiana families. The proposal is slated for a legislative hearing Wednesday in a House committee that Noe chairs.
Under the bill, couples who complete premarital classes would pay the standard $10 fee for marriage licenses and $8 for marriage certificates. But couples who don't take a course would pay $40 and $32, respectively. The extra fees would go toward helping needy couples pay for premarital classes.
Noe's proposal is similar to one passed in 1998 in Florida, where supporters said it would strengthen marriages and critics called it an inappropriate government intrusion into family life.
