Committee approves bill letting county clerks correct marriage applications/licenses by affidavit

The House State Government Committee on Wednesday passed House Bill 462 to allow county clerks to correct marriage applications or licenses by affidavit instead of requiring constituents to file a circuit-court lawsuit for certain errors or omissions.

Representative Stephanie Dietz, sponsor of the bill, said the measure responds to frequent constituent requests for straightforward corrections on historical marriage records — for example, nicknames, abbreviated names, or anglicized versions of foreign names — that nevertheless prevent people from obtaining Social Security benefits, a Real ID, or documents needed for inheritance.

Gabrielle Salmi, Kenton County clerk, told the committee that clerks often encounter records with minor name or data differences (for example, Elizabeth vs. Betty, Alfred vs. Alfredo) and that the current remedy — filing a lawsuit in circuit court — can be time-consuming and costly. Salmi said the proposed affidavit process would allow clerks to issue an amended, certified license that maintains the integrity of state vital statistics while saving constituents time and expense.

Representative Donworth moved the bill and Representative Huff seconded. By roll call, House Bill 462 passed the committee by a vote of 19-0 with a favorable recommendation.

The bill will continue through the legislative process.