General Assembly passes bill to raise minimum marriage age to 17 – The Daily Record, Maryland

The General Assembly on Monday passed legislation to raise the minimum age for marriage in Maryland from 15 to 17.

The measure, headed to Gov. Larry Hogan’s desk, would require the 17-year-old to assure a judge that he or she is getting married voluntarily and not under duress.

Sponsors of the bill said the judicial oversight ensures that young people are not forced into marriage, sponsors said.

The measure, House Bill 83, would enable 17-year-olds to get a divorce without parental or judicial consent.

The Senate passed the measure 47-0 on Monday. The House of Delegates approved the bill 113-15 on Saturday.

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