Some Iowa lawmakers think they've found a way to cut the divorce rate.

SURVEY Is it right for states to reward those who get pre-marriage counseling? Yes, the state needs to protect marriage. It's fine, if it actually helps. No, because it won't make any difference. No, it's an invasion of privacy. Results  |  Disclaimer

The state Senate has passed a bill requiring couples to undergo 12 hours of premarital counseling or face longer waits for a marriage license.

The measure has been sent to the governor.

The bill would set a period of three days of waiting for a license with counseling -- and 20 days without it.

Supporters say it'll help strengthen marriages. But opponents say marriage is a religious matter that government has no business regulating.

Some other states also encourage counseling. Minnesota, for instance, charges $80 for a marriage license but only $20 for those who have had counseling.