The Texas House has moved closer to closing a legal loophole that allows child marriages. House Bill 168, by Rep. Jon Rosenthal, passed a preliminary vote 83-51 on Tuesday and awaits a final House vote before heading to the Senate.
If enacted, the bill would ban marriage licenses for all minors, including emancipated teens, and nullify existing child marriages. Although laws passed in 2017 reduced teen marriages, loopholes have permitted some cases to proceed.
Protecting Minors and Providing Legal Recourse
Rosenthal said the bill aims to protect children from exploitation, particularly trafficking. Lawmakers also tentatively approved a provision giving survivors of child marriage legal options when dissolving these marriages, addressing concerns that voiding marriages could leave survivors with no legal protections.
Clarifications and Opposition
Rosenthal clarified the bill doesn’t change Texas’ marriage age limit of 18, even though the age of sexual consent remains 17. He also confirmed the bill won’t affect “Romeo and Juliet” relationships, which allow minor-adult relationships with an age gap of three years or less, as teens can still be considered common law spouses.
Rosenthal expressed concerns about potential amendments that could weaken the bill, especially provisions related to Romeo and Juliet exceptions. He vowed to withdraw the bill if such provisions are added, emphasizing they lack sufficient support to pass.
Next Steps
If approved in the House, the bill will move to the Senate for committee review and three floor votes. Supporters hope it will close a critical gap in protecting minors from forced or exploitative marriages in Texas.
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