HB 8509 Rhode Island House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT RELATING TO SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGES

This bill authorizes Joseph Couto to legally marry Brandon Kemmy and Jacqueline Manousos in Tiverton, Rhode Island, on or around August 2, 2026. It grants Couto the specific legal power to perform this ceremony under the state's existing marriage laws, overriding any other conflicting regulations. The act becomes effective immediately upon passing through the legislature. This legislation is a procedural measure that facilitates a single, specific wedding event rather than changing broader marriage laws.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Jun 2026
House Passage
May 2026
Senate Passage
Jun 2026
Signed into Law
Jun 2026
Introduced May 1, 2026 Signed Jun 23, 2026
Floor votes · House May 19, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
12
Key actions
5
Committee
3
Jun 23, 2026
Signed into law
06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
executive
Jun 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
06/09/2026 Senate passed in concurrence
upper
Jun 3, 2026
Legislature · Passed
06/03/2026 Committee recommends passage in concurrence
legislature
May 29, 2026
Committee
05/29/2026 Referred to Senate Judiciary
upper
May 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
05/19/2026 House read and passed
lower
May 12, 2026
Legislature · Passed
05/12/2026 Committee recommends passage
legislature
May 1, 2026
Introduced
05/01/2026 Introduced, referred to House Special Legislation
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Susan Donovan
Susan Donovan
DDemocratic
RI
69