Bill to allow 17-year-old military exception to New Hampshire's marriage-age law draws widespread opposition

Representative Margaret Drei introduced House Bill 433 to add a narrow exception to New Hampshire's 2024 ban on marriages under 18, permitting a 17-year-old to marry if at least one party is on active duty and other safeguards (New Hampshire residency and parental consent for the non-military 17-year-old) apply. "At least 1 party has to be active duty military. At least 1 party has to be a New Hampshire resident," Drei said, describing the measure as intentionally narrow.

Supporters included several service members and veterans who testified that marriage can provide military families access to housing, medical coverage and the ability for a service member to provide benefits to a dependent during deployment. Representative Terry Roy recounted his experience joining the military at 17 and said the…