Rep. Monica Stonier (D-Vancouver) introduced House Bill 1455 during the 2023 legislative session. It cleared the house with a vote of 98-0 before stalling in the Senate
OLYMPIA – The Washington House of Representatives started the 2024 session with a major policy win by banning child marriage on day one.
Rep. Monica Stonier (D-Vancouver) introduced House Bill 1455 during the 2023 legislative session. It cleared the house with a vote of 98-0 before stalling in the Senate.
Between 2021 and 2022 there were 5,028 minors, some as young as 13, who were married in Washington state.
“Current law allows kids to get married, but if there are problems in the marriage, they can’t file for divorce because they’re not legally an adult.” Rep. Stonier said. “They can’t seek a protection order, either. They’re stuck. That’s not right. It is also not right for a court to grant consent on a minor’s behalf when their rights and safety are at risk.”
Stonier noted the divorce rate of child marriages is 70-80%. That is significantly higher than the 40-50% divorce rate for first marriages in the US.
“Passing this bill on the first day of session gets us one step closer to protecting children from potentially abusive, dangerous, and coercive situations with no legal recourse or way to escape,” said Rep Stonier. “Now it’s time for the Senate to act.”
Information provided by Washington House Democrats.
Also read:
- Plenty of NBA connections expected in town Sunday for Vancouver Bears game
Former NBA stars Gary Payton and Robert Pack will coach opposite each other when the SuperHawks visit the undefeated Vancouver Bears in a marquee USBL matchup. - 18th District lawmakers to host town hall meeting on Saturday, March 28, in Battle Ground
Stephanie McClintock and John Ley will meet with Battle Ground constituents to answer questions, review the new income tax, and discuss the effects of the $80 billion budget. - State’s umpire-in-chief goes on recruiting trip in his final season as a baseball umpire
Tim Stevens is spending his last season traveling to every Washington umpire association, working to address the shortage of officials and encourage young people to join the ranks. - POLL: After hearing state leaders describe the I-5 Bridge as vulnerable in an earthquake, what is your reaction?
State and local leaders describe the I-5 Bridge as structurally at risk but recommend drivers continue crossing it while complex replacement plans unfold. - Opinion: Historical state income tax and another massive operating budget highlight the end of the 2026 legislative session
Rep. John Ley details the passage of a state income tax, an expanding $80 billion budget, and new Clark County infrastructure funding following the 2026 legislative session. - VIDEO: Legal challenges certain as Gov. Ferguson prepares to sign new income tax
Senate Minority Leader John Braun and other legislators expect legal challenges and initiative efforts to follow Gov. Ferguson’s signature on Washington’s new income tax law affecting high earners and businesses. - Vancouver Fire Department honors firefighters, community members at annual awards ceremony
Acts of bravery, including river rescues and life-saving interventions by both residents and first responders, were recognized at the Vancouver Fire Department’s annual awards ceremony.
