Smaller marriage license fee increase advanced

Marriage license fees would increase under a bill advanced from general file Feb. 3 after several mornings of legislative debate.

LB88, sponsored by Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, originally would have increased the fee charged by counties from $15 to $50 for issuing and recording marriage licenses and to administer oaths or affirmations for marriage. The bill also would increase the fee charged by counties from $5 to $16 to make a certified copy of a marriage record.

Campbell said that Nebraska county officials requested the fee increases because their administrative costs have not been adjusted since 1995. She said county officials have estimated that the time required to verify and correct information provided by couples totals an average of $55 in administrative costs per year.

Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers opposed the bill, calling it a 300 percent tax increase that is too large, especially for a document he said holds no value.

“This piece of paper that allows you to get married does not ensure the marriage will work,” he said during the second day of debate on the bill. “You are not going to hurt these counties if you do not pass this bill.”

Chambers filed several motions over four mornings to extend debate. All failed to be adopted.

Papillion Sen. Bill Kintner introduced and later withdrew an amendment that would have allowed counties to charge up to $35 for a marriage license. He said the lower fee better reflects how administrative costs have risen due to inflation.

Chambers then offered two floor amendments to reduce the fee amount, both of which were rejected.

Kintner offered another amendment to make the fee $25 in all Nebraska counties. It was adopted 32-5.

The amended bill advanced to select file on a 32-7 vote.