Judge Judy to officiate at grandson's wedding in Westerly, if RI lawmakers approve

Judge Judy has listened to arguments, pounded her gavel and rendered decisions on television screens all over the country.

But to officiate at her grandson's wedding this June, the celebrity judge will need some help from Rhode Island's General Assembly.

For that reason, a bipartisan group of Rhode Island lawmakers have proposed "special legislation,"  "An Act Relating to Solemnization of Marriages."

The legislation would allow Judge Judith Sheindlin to join Casey Barber, her grandson, in marriage to Barbara "Betsy" Collins in Westerly "on or about" June 11.

The legislation has been introduced by Democratic Representatives Lauren H. Carson, Marvin L. Abney, Samuel A. Azzinaro and Brian Patrick Kennedy; and Republican Rep. Blake Filippi. It would take effect on passage.

The House is expected to vote on it Tuesday.

Sheindlin, a former Manhattan family court judge whose reality court show was a hit for  25 years, purchased a Newport estate known as "The Bird House" in 2018. 

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Arrangements for the big wedding, at the Weekapaug Inn, have been on a faster track than the proposed law to empower Sheindlin. The schedule is pretty much set already.

Those attending the black-tie-optional fest on the shore of Quonochontaug Pond must fulfill the requirement of receiving a full COVID-19 vaccination as well as a booster.

The bride and groom say they love everyone's "kiddos," but they basically discourage the attendance of children.

With reports from Katherine Gregg

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