CCS/SCS/HB 157 - The act removes a conflict in current law by requiring that the person performing a marriage ceremony certify the fact of marriage and return the license to the appropriate official within fifteen days after the ceremony. Currently, Section 193.185, RSMo, requires the return of the license within ten days after the ceremony, while Section 451.080, RSMo, requires filing the license within ninety days.

An application for a marriage license shall contain a Social Security number, provided the applicant has one. Otherwise, the applicant shall sign a statement provided by the recorder.

The act also provides that the public policy of this state is to recognize marriage only between a man and woman. Any purported marriage between people of the same sex is invalid and will not be recognized, even if valid where contracted. This provision is identical to SB 180.
JOAN GUMMELS