Adoption Modernization Act Receives Overwhelming Proponent Support

COLUMBUS—The House Families and Aging Committee yesterday heard proponent testimony on House Bill 5, the Adoption Modernization Act, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth). 

The Adoption Modernization Act is priority legislation that modernizes Ohio’s adoption process and prioritizes the best interest of the child.

Medina County Probate Judge Kevin Dunn, Cuyahoga County Probate Judge Laura Gallagher, and Shawn Welch with the Ohio Judicial Conference were three of six proponents that testified during committee.

“I was thrilled when the Ohio Association of Probate Judges mentioned they were working on modernizing and streamlining the adoption process here in Ohio,” said Ray. "Over the past two years, Judge Dunn, Judge Gallagher, and Mr. Welch have tirelessly worked to bring this legislation to fruition alongside the other members of the Association’s Modernization Committee.”

The bill will continue to receive hearings in the House Families and Aging Committee.