The Texas House on Tuesday tentatively approved a bill that would eliminate a legal loophole allowing child marriages. House Bill 168, sponsored by Rep. Jon Rosenthal (D-Houston), passed 83–51 and faces a final vote this week before advancing to the Senate.
If enacted, the bill would prohibit marriage licenses from being issued to anyone under 18 — even if they are legally emancipated — and would invalidate existing marriages involving minors.
Although Texas reformed its marriage laws in 2017, the current loophole still permits some underage marriages. “I brought this bill to protect our Texas children from a loophole… that allows trafficking of these kids,” Rosenthal said.
A provision added Tuesday provides legal recourse for minors once such marriages are voided. The bill drew questions about its effect on so-called Romeo and Juliet relationships, but Rosenthal clarified it would not apply to common-law marriages.
Rosenthal also warned he would withdraw the bill if lawmakers attempt to insert a Romeo and Juliet exception.
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