Topeka ? Saying “I do” could be a cheap date under a bill before the Legislature.

House Bill 2585 would waive the marriage license fee for people who can’t afford it.

Rep. Joe Patton, R-Topeka, said he proposed the measure to help people get married because studies show that marriage has a lot of positive outcomes, such as improved well-being of children and adults and greater earnings for family members.

“However, many couples don’t marry because they can’t afford to pay the marriage license fee,” Patton said.

Under his legislation, the $69 marriage fee would be waived if the couple filed a poverty affidavit, similar to when Kansas courts waive docket fees.

“Eliminating the financial burden to marry for those with limited incomes in our state would have a positive impact on the number of marriages in our state which would lead to stronger families and society,” he said.