Lawmakers asked to raise marriage fees

CARSON CITY -- Senate Finance Committee members were asked Monday to increase part of Nevada's marriage license fees to help preserve programs aimed at stopping domestic violence.

SB14 would add $5 to the $20 fee which the state adds to the license fees to fund domestic violence programs. The increase would generate $615,000 a year, which would only close about half of a $1.2 million gap needed to prevent staff cuts and center closures, Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence director Susan Meuschke said.

Margaret Flint, whose family owns the Chapel of the Bells in Reno, opposed the funding method, saying the local wedding industry can't afford a marriage license increase.

Finance Co-Chairwoman Bernice Mathews, D-Reno, said she sponsored the bill because domestic violence organizations can't survive on what little money they have now.

"If $5 is going to keep someone from getting married, they shouldn't be getting married anyway," Mathews said.