Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
Became law
Adjourned sine die. The bill was pending when the session ended, so it did not pass.
Last action · April 15, 2026
Recommitted To Appropriations & Revenue (H)

Introduced February 3, 2026

Senate
Adjourned Sine Die
2026 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to child marriage.

Amend KRS 402.020 to prohibit marriage with a person under 18 years of age; exclude from being prohibited and void, marriages entered into in the Commonwealth before the effective date of this Act and marriages entered into in another state or country; amend KRS 402.080 and 402.210 to prohibit the issuance of marriage licenses to persons under 18 years of age; amend KRS 402.030 to conform; repeal KRS 402.205, relating to petitions to courts filed by minors aged 17 years seeking permission to marry.

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Plain-language summary
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This bill would make it illegal to get married in Kentucky if either person is under 18 years old. County clerks would be prohibited from issuing marriage licenses to anyone under 18, and the existing process that allowed 17-year-olds to ask a court for permission to marry would be eliminated. Marriages that already took place in Kentucky or in another state or country before this law takes effect would not be affected. Who it may affect: minors, families, and county clerks who process marriage licenses.

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Legislative History

Apr 15, 2026 · House
Recommitted To Appropriations & Revenue (H) (clerical)
Mar 31, 2026 · House
Floor Amendments (3) And (4-Title) Filed (clerical)
Mar 31, 2026 · House
Floor Amendment (2) Withdrawn (clerical)
Mar 27, 2026 · House
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Mar 26, 2026 · House
Floor Amendment (2) Filed (clerical)
Mar 26, 2026 · House
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar
Mar 25, 2026 · House
Floor Amendment (1) Filed (clerical)
Mar 24, 2026 · House
To Families & Children (H)
Mar 3, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 36-0
Yea: 36
Nay: 0
Absent: 2

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of Julie Raque Adams

Julie Raque Adams

Senator · Senate District 36

Primary sponsor
Julie.Adams@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (4)

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Portrait of Casey Chambers Armstrong

Casey Chambers Armstrong

Senator · Senate District 19

Co-sponsor
Cassie.Armstrong@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Matthew Deneen

Matthew Deneen

Senator · Senate District 10

Co-sponsor
matthew.deneen@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Shelley Frommeyer

Shelley Frommeyer

Senator · Senate District 24

Co-sponsor
shelley.funkefrommeyer@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Lindsey Tichenor

Lindsey Tichenor

Senator · Senate District 06

Co-sponsor
lindsey.tichenor@kylegislature.gov

Bill Text Versions

Engrossed (passed one chamber)

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Introduced (original)

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