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Release: New legislation championed by Rep. Jim Davnie allows marriage applicants to apply remotely during COVID-19 pandemic

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

St. Paul, MN State legislators reconvened session today to approve a package of bills to address COVID-19 daily disruptions to Minnesotans during the pandemic. Measures passed included additional support to help Minnesotans execute wills, allow local governments to meet remotely, suspend certain deadlines and expiration dates, expand use of telemedicine, give the Department of Health authority to set up alternative health care facilities, and more.

State Representative Jim Davnie (DFL-Minneapolis) authored one of these bills, which would allow which would allow Minnesotans to apply for marriage licenses during the peacetime emergency without appearing in person. The legislation was inspired by two South Minneapolis couples who had appointments to get a marriage license only to have those appointments canceled due to the emergency orders. One couple even had to cancel their wedding. Both couples still wanted to get married even more given the pandemic. 

Minnesotans are encountering disruptions to their daily lives during the COVID-19 pandemic”, said Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Minneapolis) “However, this pandemic also focuses us on what matters and for couples on the verge of marriage, the emotional and legal benefits have become even more important. In these unprecedented times, we must work together to find creative solutions to enact state policies and procedures like these to help maintain a new normalcy until the virus is under control. I was pleased that these constituents brought this issue forward and that the legislature was able to respond.”

Under the bill, flexibility is granted to county registrars on the requirement that applicants appear in person. The new law allows examination of both parties under oath by video or audio or a verified statement but continues the requirement that both parties sign the application and may accept those applications via mail, fax, or e-filing. The law will remain in effect until the expiration of the peacetime emergency, or January 15, 2021, whichever is earlier.

 

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