FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Kentucky Senate has passed a bill aimed at closing what lawmakers say is the final loophole allowing child marriage in the state. State Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, sponsored Senate Bill 156, which would establish 18 as the clear and enforceable mini mum age for marriage in Kentucky. The legislation builds on a 2018 law also sponsored by Adams that raised the minimum marriage age and largely ended legal child marriage in the commonwealth. However, that law still allowed a limited judicial exception for 17-year-olds. Supporters of the new bill say that exception has not always been applied consistently. “Ending child marriage in 2018 was an essential step forward,” Adams said in a statement. “But a law on the books is only as strong as its enforcement. If there is confusion or inconsistency, we have a responsibility to correct it.” According to a release, lawmakers heard testimony during committee hearings from a survivor of child marriage who described the long-term effects of being married as a minor. Advocates say such stories highlight why clear legal protections are needed. In addition to removing the judicial exception, the bill would strengthen proof-of-age requirements when couples apply for a marriage license and repeal outdated provisions in state law to ensure the rules are applied consistently statewide. “This legislation is about making sure Kentucky’s laws reflect a clear standard and that children are protected in practice, not just in theory,” Adams said. “Marriage is a significant legal and personal commitment with lifelong consequences.” SB 156 now heads to the Kentucky House of Representatives for consideration. Categories: Featured, Local News, News, State News Tags: Julie Raque Adams, Kentucky child marriage law, Kentucky Senate legislation, marriage age Kentucky, Senate Bill 156 Kentucky ...read more read less