On April 19, the Volusia County Council took a step toward establishing a domestic partner registry.
Six of the council's seven members voted in favor of the registry, which is similar to Orlando's and would provide registered couples with health care and correctional facility visitation, the power to make medical treatment decisions, the power to make end-of-life decisions, notification from authorities after an emergency and the right to participate in a child's education. An earlier version considered by Volusia's council left out education and medical decisions.
Councilwoman Joie Alexander was the “no” vote, arguing that unmarried couples already have the rights granted under the registry if they filed the proper paperwork.
If the registry passes, it will cost $50 and the names of registered couples will be listed on a county website.
There's no word yet on when the council will vote on a completed ordinance, but it will be voted on once it's completed by the county's attorneys.
