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By a 49-1 vote, the Senate this week passed Senate Bill 985, which would end the legal recognition of “common law” marriages after January 1, 2005. The century-old ambiguous practice has often led to court disputes on issues ranging from spousal benefits to survivor assets. Only a few states still recognize such marriages where people present themselves as married without legal certification.

The legislation would also add the legal basis to a 2003 Commonwealth Court declaration to no longer recognize such marriages.

The bill now goes to the House.

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The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1123, which would appropriate $23.4 million from the State Employees' Retirement Fund to provide for expenses of the State Employees' Retirement Board for fiscal 2004-2005, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of this fiscal year. The bill now goes to the House.

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The Senate unanimously approved House Bill 1438, which would amend the “Occupational Therapy Practice Act” of 1982, and extend the law’s provisions to licensed optometrists. Currently, an occupational therapist needs the referral of a licensed physician or licensed podiatrist before providing occupational therapy.  The amended bill would allow occupational therapists to receive authorization from a licensed optometrist’s referral as well. The bill now goes to the Governor.  

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