marriage preservation and accountability act

Full Legislative Text

SECTION 1: SHORT TITLE

This Act shall be known as the "Marriage Preservation and Accountability Act."

SECTION 2: PURPOSE

The purpose of this Act is to promote the longevity and stability of marriages through:

Comprehensive education and counseling.

Financial incentives and community involvement.

Accountability measures and proactive relationship maintenance.

This Act establishes guidelines for marital contracts, personal responsibility, and consequences for violations of the marital agreement. Its intent is to encourage reconciliation where possible, protect marital integrity, and reduce the number of dissolutions and divorces.

SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Act:

Marriage**: A legally recognized union between two consenting adults.

Infidelity**: Any act that violates the pre-agreed terms of fidelity as defined by the married couple before obtaining a marriage license.

Subterfuge, Deceit, and Misrepresentation**: The intentional act of withholding or misrepresenting information that directly impacts the marriage or the financial stability of the couple.

Domestic Violence**: Any form of physical, emotional, or financial abuse within a marriage.

STI Infliction Through Reckless Disregard**: The act of knowingly or recklessly transmitting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) to one's spouse.

Secondary Marriage**: Any marriage entered into after a legal dissolution of a prior marriage.

SECTION 4: MARRIAGE EDUCATION AND COUNSELING PROGRAMS

(a) Pre-Marital Counseling

All couples applying for a marriage license must complete a minimum of four (4) pre-marital counseling sessions conducted by a licensed professional or recognized religious leader. Counseling shall cover:

Effective communication and conflict resolution techniques.

Financial planning and fiscal responsibility education.

Clear articulation of expectations of fidelity and commitment.

Family planning and child-rearing philosophies.

A certificate of completion must be presented to the county clerk before a marriage license is granted.

(b) Ongoing Support

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will provide a comprehensive list of ongoing marriage counseling and education programs available to married couples. These resources will be made available through community centers, religious institutions, and online platforms, ensuring accessibility for all couples.

SECTION 5: MARRIAGE LICENSE AND DISSOLUTION FEES

(a) The fee for obtaining a marriage license shall be set at $500.

(b) The base fee for initiating a dissolution of marriage shall be $1,000, with additional fees as necessary to support judiciary costs.

(c) All funds collected from marriage licenses and dissolution fees shall be allocated directly into the Marriage Preservation Act Fund, which will support the governing body overseeing this Act and its initiatives.

SECTION 6: GOVERNING BODY

(a) The Marriage Preservation Advisory Board (MPAB) shall be established to oversee the implementation and enforcement of this Act.

(b) The MPAB shall be funded through state allocations, grants, and a portion of the fees collected from marriage licenses and dissolution proceedings.

(c) The MPAB will be responsible for:

Developing and implementing educational programs.

Conducting research on marriage stability and the effectiveness of the Act.

Reporting annually to the state legislature on the status of marriage health in Idaho.

SECTION 7: MARRIAGE MANUAL

(a) The MPAB shall create a comprehensive Marriage Manual that explains all laws, modalities, philosophies, and resources related to marriage in clear, accessible language. This manual shall be written at a reading level commonly understood by the general public.

(b) The Marriage Manual must be distributed to all couples applying for a marriage license before the issuance of said license, ensuring that they are fully informed about their rights and responsibilities under the new laws.

SECTION 8: FUNDING RESOURCES

To ensure robust funding for the MPAB and marriage preservation initiatives, the following revenue sources shall be explored:

Marriage Incentive Campaigns**: Partner with local businesses to provide discounts or services to married couples, with a portion of sales redirected to the Marriage Preservation Act Fund.

Community Events**: Organize annual marriage fairs where couples can participate in workshops, receive counseling, and engage with local vendors. A small entry fee will contribute to funding.

Voluntary Contributions**: Establish a donation platform where individuals and organizations can contribute to the Marriage Preservation Act Fund, promoting community involvement in strengthening marriages.

SECTION 9: MARITAL AGREEMENT ON FIDELITY AND BOUNDARIES

(a) Before issuance of a marriage license, both parties must mutually define what constitutes adultery and infidelity in their relationship. This definition shall serve as a binding contractual agreement in the event of future disputes or dissolution.

(b) Violations of this agreement shall carry financial penalties and/or mandatory counseling, as determined by the court, ensuring that all parties are held accountable.

SECTION 10: CHILD MARRIAGE RESTRICTIONS

No individual under the age of 18 may marry unless they are at least 16 years of age and have obtained both parental consent and judicial approval. The older spouse may not be more than five (5) years senior to the younger spouse. All standard marriage requirements apply, including completion of counseling and contractual obligations to ensure informed consent.

SECTION 11: ADULTERY AND INFIDELITY PENALTIES

If a spouse violates the pre-defined agreement of fidelity, they may be fined up to $1,000 per occurrence of infidelity and/or be required to attend mandatory counseling. If reckless disregard results in the transmission of an STI, the offending spouse must:

Undergo mandatory domestic violence and trauma-based counseling due to the reckless endangerment of their spouse.

Be subject to civil penalties up to $10,000 or the medical costs incurred, whichever is greater.

Any act that demonstrably and intentionally benefits only one party at the significant financial or emotional expense of the marriage shall be considered an act of betrayal and infidelity, carrying the same penalties.

SECTION 12: SUBTERFUGE, DECEIT, AND FINANCIAL MANIPULATION

If a spouse is found guilty of intentionally withholding information, hiding finances, or engaging in misrepresentation that negatively impacts the marriage, they shall be subject to:

A fine of up to $10,000 or the sum of what was hidden, whichever is greater.

Mandatory financial counseling.

Exceptions shall be made for small, non-malicious acts (e.g., planning a surprise birthday party), clearly defined to avoid misuse of this section.

SECTION 13: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE AND REHABILITATION

Upon a confirmed act of domestic violence, the perpetrator must be removed from the home for no less than 90 days or a period determined by the court to ensure the safety of the victim. This will allow for:

A cooling-off period.

Psychological and behavioral evaluation.

Mandatory counseling for both parties and any children involved.

Open communication between spouses must be maintained through a court-appointed mediator to handle financial and familial responsibilities. The ultimate goal shall be reconciliation if both mental health professionals and legal mediators deem it safe, with structured follow-up assessments. If reconciliation is deemed impossible, dissolution proceedings may commence only after counseling and legal review, ensuring thorough consideration of all options.

SECTION 14: SECONDARY MARRIAGES AND DIVORCE PREVENTION

(a) Any individual seeking a second or subsequent marriage must attend a state-approved workshop on personal, psychological, and financial independence.

(b) If the first marriage was dissolved by compulsory court findings, the couple shall demonstrate sufficient grounds for the dissolution beyond mere pettiness.

(c) Should a couple fail to provide sufficient evidence of meaningful grounds for the first dissolution, they shall forfeit any tax benefits offered by the state for their second marriage.

(d) The standards for divorce or dissolution in a second marriage shall require heightened evidence of irreconcilable differences and demonstration of exhaustive attempts at reconciliation. The burden of proof for divorce shall be significantly heightened, requiring evidence of prolonged, irreconcilable differences and demonstrated and documented attempts at marital counseling and reconciliation.

SECTION 15: INCENTIVES FOR FAMILY STABILITY

(a) Tax Benefits

Couples married for five (5) or more years shall receive a state tax credit, with increasing benefits at 10, 20, and 30-year milestones, incentivizing long-term commitment.

(b) Family Strengthening Grants

Nonprofits providing marriage support services shall be eligible for grants to fund programs that align with the objectives of this Act, ensuring diverse access to marriage support resources.

SECTION 16: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT INITIATIVES

(a) Mentorship Programs

Newlyweds shall be paired with experienced married couples for guidance and relationship support. The state will create a program that facilitates this mentoring and provides resources to the mentor couples, including training on effective mentoring practices.

(b) Volunteer Services

Married couples will be encouraged to volunteer together in community service activities that strengthen family values and community bonds. The state shall provide tax benefits equal to the state minimum wage per hour dedicated to these activities for active adults involved from the family unit, with or without children. The state will create a list of approved volunteer organizations and provide information on how to volunteer.

SECTION 17: PROMOTION OF STABLE MARITAL UNIONS

(a) Educational Campaigns

Idaho shall launch a public campaign promoting the benefits of stable marital unions, utilizing media platforms to spread awareness. These campaigns shall emphasize personal responsibility, commitment, and the positive impact of strong families on society.

(b) Recognition Programs

An annual Marriage Commitment Award shall be established to honor couples exemplifying dedication and marital longevity. The state will create a program to highlight and celebrate couples who have overcome significant challenges and stayed married, fostering a culture of resilience.

SECTION 18: DIGITAL TRANSPARENCY AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONDUCT

Spouses shall agree to share, for the duration of the marriage, limited access to key digital accounts or communication logs, subject to strict privacy safeguards established by the Marriage Preservation Advisory Board. Any evidence discovered of concealed social media interactions or online communications that intentionally hide extramarital involvement or undermine the marital trust shall be considered a breach of the marital contract, triggering mandatory intervention and potential penalties as determined by the court.

SECTION 19: MANDATORY SELF-IMPROVEMENT AND RELATIONSHIP GROWTH PLANS

Each spouse must annually submit a personal "relationship growth plan" that outlines goals for emotional, financial, and physical self-improvement to the Marriage Preservation Review Board. Failure to comply with or make reasonable progress on these plans—especially if coupled with documented instances of infidelity, deception, or neglect—may be used as further evidence of a breach of the marital contract.

SECTION 20: EMERGENCY RELATIONSHIP INTERVENTION PROTOCOL

In cases where preliminary indicators (such as alarming digital communication patterns or significant drops in relationship metrics, or other documented evidence of marital distress) are identified by the Marriage Preservation Review Board, an emergency intervention protocol may be triggered. This protocol could include immediate mediation, a temporary suspension of certain marital privileges (such as shared financial decision-making, with judicial oversight), or expedited counseling sessions designed to address issues before they necessitate dissolution.

SECTION 21: INTERFERENCE WITH MARRIAGE

Any individual, organization, or entity—public or private, secular or religious—that is found to interfere with a marriage or seek to cause the dissolution of a marriage shall be subject to:

A civil penalty of up to $10,000.

Imprisonment for up to five (5) years, as determined by the severity of the interference.

This provision aims to protect the sanctity of marriage and discourage malicious actions against couples.

SECTION 22: SPOUSAL SUPPORT

Upon dissolution of marriage, the financially stable spouse shall be responsible for providing spousal support to the other spouse for a period of up to three (3) years, unless otherwise determined by the court. Both parties shall disclose all financial assets, income, and liabilities to ensure transparency during the dissolution process. Failure to disclose any financial information may result in penalties as determined by the court. The purpose of spousal support is to assist the lower-earning spouse in achieving financial stability and securing a solid footing post-dissolution.

SECTION 23: INHERITANCE LAWS

Any inheritance received by either spouse prior to or during the marriage shall be considered marital property and shall be split 50/50 upon dissolution of the marriage, unless otherwise specified in a legally binding agreement. This provision aims to ensure fairness and equity in the division of assets and to protect the financial interests of both parties.

SECTION 24: MEDICAL RECORDS AND ACCESS

Upon marriage, both spouses shall have equal access to all medical records and health information of the other spouse, allowing for informed decision-making regarding healthcare. This access shall remain in effect unless one spouse is found to have violated any portion of this Act that could be construed as abuse, at which point access may be restricted by court order.

SECTION 25: ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MARRIAGE PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD

The state shall establish the Marriage Preservation Advisory Board (MPAB) to oversee the implementation and enforcement of this Act. The MPAB shall be funded through state allocations, grants, and a portion of the fees collected from marriage licenses and dissolution proceedings. The MPAB will be responsible for:

Developing and implementing educational programs.

Conducting research on marriage stability and effectiveness of the Act.

Reporting annually to the state legislature on the status of marriage health in Idaho.

SECTION 26: MARRIAGE MANUAL

(a) The MPAB shall create a comprehensive Marriage Manual that explains all laws, modalities, philosophies, and resources related to marriage in clear, accessible language. This manual shall be written at a reading level commonly understood by the general public.

(b) The Marriage Manual must be distributed to all couples applying for a marriage license before the issuance of said license, ensuring that they are fully informed about their rights and responsibilities under the new laws.

SECTION 27: EXISTING RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES

All rights, privileges, and guarantees related to marriage that are established under current state law, constitutional law, and common law shall remain in effect unless specifically addressed or replaced by provisions within this Act. This ensures that no existing legal protections are diminished or eliminated without explicit intent.

SECTION 28: SUPREMACY CLAUSE

Upon enactment, this Act shall supersede all existing state laws concerning marriage and marital agreements to the extent of any conflicts, ensuring uniform application and enforcement of its provisions throughout the state.

SECTION 29: CONSTITUTIONAL COMPLIANCE

This Act shall be interpreted and implemented in accordance with the United States Constitution, including but not limited to the First Amendment rights to freedom of religion and expression and the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause to ensure that all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, are afforded the same rights and responsibilities under this Act.

SECTION 30: SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Act is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

SECTION 31: FUTURE PROVISIONS

The Act shall include provisions for periodic review and updates to adapt to changing societal norms and legal standards, ensuring the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of marriage support mechanisms. Recommendations for additional training and certification for professionals involved in marriage counseling and education shall be established to maintain high standards of practice and efficacy across all programs funded or initiated under this Act.

SECTION 32: PROTECTION AGAINST RETALIATION

No individual shall face retaliation for reporting violations or seeking assistance under this Act. Protections shall be in place to ensure confidentiality and safety for those who utilize the resources provided.

SECTION 33: PUBLIC AWARENESS AND ACCESSIBILITY

The state shall ensure that information regarding this Act and its resources is accessible to all citizens through various platforms, including online, print, and community outreach, to promote widespread awareness and engagement.