Representative Ray Provides Testimony on Bill to Modernize Ohio Guardianship Law

COLUMBUS –State Representative Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth) recently provided sponsor testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on House Bill 491, legislation to make updates to Ohio’s current guardianship laws, providing greater clarity and accountability. 

Guardianship law involves transferring decision-making authority over personal, medical, and financial matters from an individual to a court-appointed guardian.

Key updates in the bill include the following: 

• Defines the different types of guardians and clarifies their roles;
• Clarifies the termination of guardianship based on the value of the ward’s estate by requiring a receipt verifying a deposit filed with the court and court approval for the release of funds to benefit an incompetent adult; and
• Establishes new reporting requirements for guardians, specifically those appointed for incompetent adults.
   

“House Bill 491 modernizes Ohio’s guardianship statutes, so they are clearer, more consistent, and better aligned with current practice, while still maintaining the essential protection that guardianship is meant to provide,” Ray said during sponsor testimony. 

House Bill 491 awaits further consideration from the committee.