March is Women's History Month. We are dedicating this month to celebrate strong women and their accomplishments throughout history and in this present time.
Let us join together in commemorating and encouraging the observance, celebration and advocacy of the vital role of women in American and International history, and what better way to celebrate it than encouraging you, our supporters, to contact your state legislature if you live in the states below, and urge them to support these bills to #EndChildMarriage in the U.S.
Only 13 of 50 US States have passed legislation banning child marriage; we still have a long road ahead.
In the other states, child marriage is permitted under certain conditions, such as parental consent, judicial approval, or emancipation. Some states set minimum ages (often 16) with restrictions, but there are still no age limits in a few states if specific conditions are met. Global Hope 365 and other advocacy groups continue working to raise the minimum marriage age to 18 without exceptions across all states.
Here's an update for 2024 on child marriage legislation across the United States. We're working to push for stronger protections and keep the momentum going.
California
SB 404 was introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab to end child marriage, but it was amended in March. Unfortunately, the amended version does not align with our objectives, and we cannot support it in its current form.
Connecticut
HB 5840 aims to establish a minimum marriage age. Sponsored by State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest with bipartisan support, it has been referred to the Joint Committee on Judiciary.
Hawaii
SB 46 and companion HB 206, sponsored by Sen. Karl Rhoads, are aimed at ending child marriage. Both bills are currently with the HHS and JDC committees.
Illinois
HB 1252 to end child marriage was sent back to the Rules Committee, facing similar delays as last year, with session end approaching on May 19.
Maine
LD 443 (child marriage ban) had a committee work session on March 16.
Michigan
Bills SB 209, SB 210, SB 211, and SB 212 are "tie barred," meaning they must pass together to take effect, setting a minimum marriage age of 18 with no exceptions. They are in the Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee.
New Hampshire
HB 34 was ruled "inexpedient to legislate," effectively ending it for this session after a close 8-7 committee vote.
South Carolina
S 34 seeks to end child marriage. It has the same Democratic sponsor as previous years but no co-sponsors yet. It has been sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Texas
HB 924 proposes to end child marriage completely, expanding on 2017 reforms. It’s currently in the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee, sponsored by Rep. Rosenthal, who previously introduced similar legislation in 2021.
Vermont
HB 148 (child marriage ban) passed the House and has a Senate hearing scheduled for March 23 at 10:30 am ET.
Washington
HB 1455 passed the House unanimously (95-0). It now moves to the Senate, with the session continuing until April 23.
West Virginia
SB 158 and HB 3018 were approved by the House and head to the Governor. The bill sets a minimum marriage age of 16 with a maximum age difference of four years.
Wyoming
HB 7 advanced with a 6-3 vote, setting the minimum marriage age at 16 but requiring judicial approval without procedural safeguards. The bill is anticipated to be heard in the Senate in approximately two weeks.
Support Our Efforts
Your support makes a difference. Please consider becoming a monthly donor, starting at $15, to help us continue advocating for child marriage reform. You can mail checks to Global Hope 365 at 335 Centennial Way, Suite 200, Tustin, CA 92780, or visit our website: Global Hope 365.
With your help, we can bring an end to child marriage in all 50 states and protect countless lives.
Please help us by becoming a monthly donor starting at $15/month to help us save more lives. Checks can also be made to Global Hope 365 and mailed to Global Hope 365, 335 Centennial Way, Suite 200, Tustin, CA 92780.
Comments