New Bill Would Force Couples to Read “Marriage Guide” Before Nuptials

Republican State Sen. Dennis Baxley filed a new bill on Tuesday, meant to go hand in hand with the already existing Family Law Handbook in Florida, which has a few main points – creating a Marriage Education Committee and a “Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage.”

What is the Bill Itself and What Would Its Function Be?

The bill says that a Marriage Education Committee would have to be formed, with six “marriage education and family advocates” being on it, two appointed by the governor, two by the Senate president and two by the House speaker, which would then have to create a guide that touches on important information regarding problems in marriage and advice on divorce.

“The facts are mounting and the high cost of divorce impacting Florida’s Families in human and public costs must be addressed. This marriage handbook can help Florida Families build healthy families, giving them a guide to build a strong foundation,” Baxley said in a statement.

In general, the goal of the new guide would to be educate newlywed couples on a wide variety of topics, which include “resources regarding conflict management, communication skills, family expectations, financial responsibilities and management, domestic violence resources, and parenting responsibilities.”

Another key point is that the guide and all the resources it requires to be made would be paid for with privately raised funds and not taxpayer money, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel.

Could the Bill Pass or Will It See Opposition?

So far not many have commented on the bill itself and the proposed idea, however, State Sen. Linda Stewart said she does not support the bill and opposes the concept itself:

“I don’t think legislators are in any way proficient in determining a good or bad marriage. That needs to be handled in churches, not in the legislative body,” Stewart said.

And although that is a fair point to be made, one could also argue that taking a few hours out of your day or week to read a basic guide with advice on marriage and divorce could not hurt – especially when it comes to strictly legal and financial problems.