Committee concurs in House amendment to SB 547, adding exceptions to marital property rules

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to concur in a House amendment to SB 547, which clarifies exceptions to marital property in divorce proceedings.

Centric Flowers explained the amendment creates an exception for property acquired before marriage that has not increased in value as a result of a spouse’s time, labor or skill. She said the amendment aligns with recent legislation and codifies precedents that previously existed mainly in court decisions.

Committee members asked procedural questions about whether the bill had been engrossed and how the new language interacts with other recent statutory changes. After clarifications and with no registered opponents, the committee closed discussion, moved to pass to concur in the House amendment and recorded a voice vote. The chair announced the motion carried.

The transcript does not include a roll‑call tally; the committee’s approval was recorded by members answering 'aye' during a voice vote. The amendment is intended to give courts clearer statutory guidance when distinguishing separate from marital property where increases in value are tied to a spouse’s contributions.