Bill that prohibits first cousins marrying each other passes Tennessee General Assembly
By:
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A bill that would prohibit first cousins in Tennessee from marrying each other has worked its way through the Tennessee General Assembly.
The bill, known as SB 1917 and HB 2041, was approved by the House and Senate on April 11, 2024.
The Senate unanimously passed the bill earlier this month 31-0, while two state representatives, Gino Bulso and Monty Fritts, voted against the bill. The final vote in the House was 75 in favor, two voting against and nine present but not voting.
Bulso represents District 61, covering Williamson County, and Fritts represents District 32, covering Roane County and Loudon County.
The bill now heads to the governor to be signed into law.
The Tennessee General Assembly Fiscal Review Committee said the bill should not have a significant impact.
“Prohibition of marriage between first cousins is not expected to have a significant impact on the number of marriages solemnized in Tennessee nor on the number of marriage licenses issued; therefor, any fiscal impact to state or local government is estimated to be not significant,” the Tennessee General Assembly Fiscal Review Committee said.