Georgia Bill To Raise Minimum Age for Marriage Heads To Governor's Desk

Georgia lawmakers have agreed to raise the minimum age for marriage from 16 to 17 years old.

The bill also requires 17-year-olds who want to get married provide proof they've been emancipated from their parents.

And couples must take at least six hours of premarital education before applying for a marriage license.

Additionally, under the new law, there can only be a four year age gap between a 17-year-old and their potential spouse.

The bill lays out instructions for when the court is supposed to deny a marriage license, including if the younger party has been a victim of a sex crime committed by the person who wants to get married.

It now heads to the governor’s desk, where he has 40 days to sign or veto it.