02/12/2026

Ohio House Bill Would Update State Guardianship Law

Ohio lawmakers are advancing House Bill 491, legislation aimed at modernizing the state’s guardianship statutes to clarify roles and strengthen oversight. The bill would update longstanding code sections governing how courts appoint and supervise guardians for adults who cannot make decisions for themselves. It would define different types of guardians, outline clearer responsibilities, and introduce new reporting requirements for guardians of adults found incompetent. It also would revise rules on how guardianships end and require more documentation when a guardian is releasing a ward’s funds. Supporters say the bill will bring the law into alignment with current practice while keeping protections for vulnerable adults, and the proposal is now before the House Judiciary Committee. Read more here.