JEFFERSON CITY (AP) – Missouri lawmakers have passed a measure clearing the way for prison inmates to get married without having to personally visit the county official responsible for issuing marriage licenses.

State law requires a couple who wants to marry to sign the application for a license in the presence of the county recorder of deeds or an appointed deputy.

Lawsuits have challenged the requirement to sign the application in the official’s presence.

Missouri lawmakers endorsed a bill during this year’s legislative session that allows inmates and members of the military who are deployed outside Missouri to submit an affidavit or sworn statement.

The bill is heading to Gov. Jay Nixon.