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House Narrowly Passes Counseling Bill

KSBI News

Story Created: Mar 12, 2010 at 12:27 PM CDT

Story Updated: Mar 12, 2010 at 12:27 PM CDT

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Legislation that would require pre-marital and divorce counseling has narrowly passed the Oklahoma House.

The House voted 51-45 Wednesday night to send the bill to the state Senate for consideration. It takes at least 51 votes to pass a bill in the 101-member House.

The bill by Rep. Mark McCullough of Sapulpa would require two hours of pre-marital counseling before a marriage license is issued. It would also give a $45 dollar discount on a license for couples who get at least eight hours of counseling.

The measure also allows for a "covenant marriage" license, ends future recognition of "common law" marriages and requires pre-divorce education classes for couples with children.

McCullough says divorce and unwed childbearing costs the state hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

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