revise requirements pertaining to the minimum age for marriage.
Signed by the Governor on 2026-03-20
Summary
The bill revises South Dakota’s marriage statutes so that individuals as young as 16 can obtain a marriage license if they have either notarized consent from two parents or a court order confirming the marriage is voluntary and in the minor’s best interest. It also caps the age difference between spouses at ten years and requires a 30‑day waiting period after a court approves a minor’s marriage. These changes aim to protect minors while providing a legal pathway for marriage when appropriate.
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