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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Paul Costa |
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Costa bill to allow retired judges to preside over marriages becomes law
HARRISBURG, July 15 – On Tuesday, the governor signed legislation introduced by state Rep. Paul Costa, D-Allegheny, which allows retired judges or former mayors to perform marriage ceremonies in Pennsylvania.
The law, Act No. 18, allows former or retired Pennsylvania justices, judges or magisterial district judges who are in good standing and not serving as senior judges or senior magisterial district judges to preside over marriage ceremonies. Former mayors in good standing will also be permitted to officiate at civil marriage ceremonies.
"Current law requires a judge to retire at the age of 70," Costa said. "But if he or she wishes to continue performing wedding ceremonies after retirement, it was not allowed. There's no real reason for such a prohibition. My measure removed that part of the law and allows former judges and mayors to officiate at marriage ceremonies if they are asked."
The law requires a former judge to have served a period equaling a full term in office before they retired, and to be a resident of the state. Former judges are not eligible to perform marriages if they were convicted of a crime or removed from office, resigned their office to avoid having charges filed, or were defeated for reelection or retention.
"There was great support from my colleagues when my legislation passed the House originally in March and I am pleased with the support it received in the Senate, as well," Costa said. "I believe this is the right thing to do for many retired and former judges who are asked to perform marriages but currently cannot."
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