| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
Relating to the participation of armed forces members in a marriage ceremony through video conference technology.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 675 would permit a member of the armed forces stationed in another country to include in their absent applicant affidavit for a marriage license that they prefer to participate in the ceremony through the use of video conference technology, if available. Once the marriage license is approved, the bill would permit a member of the armed forces to participate in their marriage ceremony through the use of such technology instead of using another adult as a proxy. HB 675 would also permit justices of the peace to use video conference technology in their courtroom to conduct such a marriage ceremony.
Texas Action supports HB 675 because it would increase the liberty of servicemembers to participate in their marriage ceremonies virtually. Servicemembers should not be restricted by state law to using another adult as a proxy in their marriage ceremony. Efforts to expand the applicability of this legislation to make its provisions more broadly available beyond the military community would be welcome.