As the Texas Legislature meets, marriage is on the mind of some

The Texas Legislature is getting ready for the 89th legislative session, which begins Tuesday, and there’s a host of bills heading into the session. One of them is about no-fault divorce and the creation of covenant marriages.

A new bill introduced by Rep. Cody Vasut (R-Angleton) aims to establish covenant marriages in Texas, which would require couples to make a lifetime commitment before tying the knot. The proposed legislation would amend the Family Code to create specific guidelines for entering into a covenant marriage.

Under the bill, couples seeking a marriage license would need to submit a signed and notarized affidavit, declaring their intention to enter a covenant marriage. This affidavit emphasizes the seriousness of the commitment and the importance of taking steps to preserve the marriage, including seeking counseling during difficult times.

Additionally, existing married couples could designate their marriages as covenant marriages through a similar affidavit, along with a copy of their marriage license. This designation would also require couples to undergo at least five hours of premarital counseling from a qualified professional before the marriage is formalized or redefined.

The bill underscores the permanence of a covenant marriage, making it clear that while divorce is an option, couples are expected to exhaust all efforts to reconcile issues that may arise.

The proposed legislation includes provisions to educate county clerks about the requirements for issuing covenant marriage licenses, reflecting the importance of understanding the commitments involved in such unions.

If passed, the law would significantly shift the approach to marriage in Texas, encouraging couples to prioritize marital counseling and a lifelong partnership.

The future of raw milk
A new bill in Texas aims to regulate the sale of raw milk and raw milk products by requiring producers to obtain a permit. This legislation will amend the Health and Safety Code and establish guidelines for selling directly to consumers, cooperative associations, or designated raw milk coordinators.

A raw milk coordinator is defined as an individual or nonprofit with a contract to sell the product at specific locations, including farmers’ markets. All packaging must clearly display the product name, batch number, and safety warnings about unpasteurized milk.

The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission will create a permit program for these sales. The bill seeks to ensure safety and inform consumers of the risks associated with raw milk.

If approved, the law will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will allow permit holders to sell without arranging sales with consumers in advance, offering more flexibility in distribution.