Press Release from New York State Senate.

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 21, 2019 New State Law Waives Marriage License Fee for Active Duty Military Members.  Legislation Sponsored by Westchester’s Senator Mayer & Assemblyman Buchwald Signed into Law.

WESTCHESTER, NY -- On Tuesday, August 20th, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law a new benefit for active duty military members sponsored by Westchester legislators State Senator Shelley B. Mayer and State Assemblyman David Buchwald.  As of 2017, New York State is home to more than 20,000 active duty military members. S.3756/A.55 waives the state fee for marriage licences when either partner is an active duty member of the armed forces. The new law also permits local municipalities--cities and towns--to waive the local municipal fee for marriage licences for active duty military members.  “This new law is a well-deserved benefit for the many men and women in uniform who serve our country with great pride,” said bill sponsor State Senator Shelley B. Mayer (D-Westchester). “This is just one of the ways we express our deep gratitude to active duty military members for their continued courage, service and sacrifice.”  "On the happy occasions when a member of our armed forces gets married in New York, we as a society should be doing everything we can to say thank you and congratulations,” said Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester). “This is but a small gesture to show our gratitude to the men and women who protect our freedoms every day." Senator Mayer and Assemblyman Buchwald both thanked Westchester County Executive George Latimer who first introduced the bill when he served in the State Senate.