Plain English summary not yet available
The full original text is available below. Check back soon as we process this bill.
      By: Pierson H.C.R. No. 39       HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, For more than 70 years, Rockwall County has been a   sought-after destination for brides- and grooms-to-be, and its   popularity as a marriage location is known throughout the Lone Star   State; and          WHEREAS, During the 1940s and 1950s, couples flocked to   Rockwall County to tie the knot because of the unique approach that   the county took to administrating marriages in that era; a night   watchman at the courthouse, Gene Payne, filled in as the deputy   county clerk, which allowed marriage licenses to be issued at all   hours; in addition, a local doctor kept his office open late to   provide the blood tests that were required before a license could be   issued; the popularity of Rockwall County as a place to say "I do"   was such that justice of the peace Mildred Barnes, one of only a few   women in the state to serve in that role at the time, officiated the   weddings of more than 6,000 couples from 1952 to 1957; and          WHEREAS, The practice of issuing marriage licenses around the   clock ended in the 1950s, when the county was required by law to   provide this service during regular business hours; nevertheless,   the county has remained a top choice for prospective newlyweds   drawn by the uncommon beauty and elegance of its marriage   certificates, which have long been among the most coveted in the   state; the county is further admired for its wide selection of   wedding venues that suit a variety of tastes and styles, ranging   from luxurious manors to scenic gardens and pastoral ranch venues;   and          WHEREAS, Rockwall County has long served as the setting where   couples have shared their vows and embarked upon a momentous   journey together, and it is indeed fitting that the county be   formally recognized for its special connection to the institution   of marriage, both historically and in the present day; now,   therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby designate Rockwall County as the official Marriage Capital   of Texas; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of   Section 391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in   effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is   finally passed by the legislature.