Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes two unrelated individuals that are at least 18 years of age, are capable of consenting to a domestic partnership, and neither of whom are currently a partner of another domestic partnership, civil union, or marriage to enter into a domestic partnership that ensures them the same legal protections, benefits, obligations, and responsibilities that are guaranteed by a civil contract that establishes a marriage.

Highlights:

- Specifies that the provisions of this Act shall not interfere with or regulate religious practices, nor require any religious entity or federally recognized Indian nation to recognize, solemnize or witness a domestic partnership (Sec. 6). - Classifies the intentional filing of a materially false affidavit of domestic partnership as a misdemeanor (Sec. 9). - Establishes a registration fee of $25 to obtain a certificate of domestic partnership (Sec. 8). - This is a substitute bill sponsored by Sen. Cisco McSorley.

Full Bill Text