Coerced marriage.

Assembly Member Bains proposes changes to California's marriage laws that would modify how courts handle forced marriage cases and expand protections for victims. The legislation creates new options for individuals seeking to nullify forced marriages by allowing courts to consider petitions filed beyond the standard four-year deadline if good cause can be demonstrated.

The bill revises criminal statutes addressing forced marriage to ensure uniform application regardless of the victim's age at the time of the incident. It also requires the Judicial Council to update or create forms necessary for implementing the new nullification petition process. These changes take effect January 1, 2027, providing time for the judicial system to prepare for the modified procedures.

The measure maintains existing penalties for compelling someone to marry against their will through force, menace, or duress while eliminating outdated language. Under current law, victims must file for marriage nullification within four years, but this legislation creates a pathway for courts to hear cases beyond that timeframe when circumstances warrant an exception.