A bill to end the issuance of marriage licenses in Alabama – a process currently overseen by each county’s probate judge – is headed to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature.

Here’s what’s in the bill and what it means for those getting married and the rest of Alabamians:

What’s in the bill

The bill, passed by the House Thursday, would end the practice of probate judges issuing marriage licenses and replace that with having them record documents that would serve as official records of marriage.

You can read the bill here.

Why the change?

The legislation came in response to the Supreme Court’s landmark 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. Some probate judges in Alabama quit issuing marriage licenses, citing their objections to being forced to sign licenses to same-sex couples. You can go here to see which counties do – and which don’t – issue marriage license.

Aren’t judges required to issue marriage licenses?

No. The current law doesn’t require them to do so, only saying they “may.” Under the new bill, probate judges would be required to record the marriage document but aren’t certifying a marriage license.

So why the change?

Senator Greg Albritton, R-Range, the sponsor of the bill said it would allow everyone to get married in their home county, even if the probate judge isn’t currently issuing licenses. Critics said the bill is nothing more than a workaround for judges who don’t want to follow the Supreme Court directive.

What would happen under the new plan?

Couples who want to get married would still be require couples to visit the probate judge’s office. However, instead of a judge issuing a license, couples wanting to get married would submit a form that includes an affidavit that says they meet legal requirements of marriage. The probate judge would record that as an official marriage document and give them a certificate. The probate judge would “have no authority to reject any recording of marriage as long as the affidavits, forms and data are provided,” the bill notes.

And what are the legal requirements for marriage?

Alabama requires people wanting to get married to be of certain ages: 16 (with parental consent) or 18 (without parental consent). There are no waiting periods, blood tests or residency requirements. Fees for marriage licenses are generally between $40 and $90.

The affidavit signed to receive the marriage certificate would require applicants to affirm they are of legal age, are not already married, are not related and are competent to enter into marriage.

What else would the bill do?

The bill would also end the practice of requiring a marriage be “solemnized” by a minister or someone else licensed to perform a ceremony. Current law requires a minister, judge, retired judge or person otherwise authorized to perform a ceremony to sign the marriage license before it is recorded.

Under the new law, the affidavit and forms would constitute a legal marriage, as long as they are submitted within 30 days of being signed by the two parties.

“The state shall have no requirement for any ceremony or proceeding and whether or not a ceremony proceeding is performed or not performed shall have no legal effect on the validity of the marriage,” the law notes.

What’s next?

The bill, which has already passed the Senate, is awaiting Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature.