Bill seeks increase in marriage license fee

Those who plan to get married may have to pay more for their marriage license, if a legislative measure that seeks to increase the fee becomes law.

The House Committee on Ways and Means moved for the bill’s passage after finding out that marriage license fee has been fixed at $25 since its establishment by law about two decades ago. House Bill 14-163 proposes to increase the fee to $100.

The House passed the bill Thursday, a measure that is expected to add money to the CNMI’s coffers. House Rep. Justo S. Quitugua introduced the bill.

Citing Department of Finance statistics, the committee said that there were 403 marriage licenses issued in 2002, which yielded $10,075 in total fees.

In 2003, the committee said the number of marriage license issued increased to 431, generating some $10,775 in fees.

“The CNMI will realize an added value in the fee increase. For example, if marriage licenses are to be issued after the enactment of H.B. 14-163, the amount of $40,000 would be added to the General Fund,” the committee said.