Wadsworth State Representative Sharon Ray is working to modernize Ohio’s guardianship laws, saying the current system needs clearer rules and stronger accountability.
Ray recently presented House Bill 491 to the Ohio House Judiciary Committee. The proposal would update how guardians are defined, spell out their responsibilities more clearly, and add new oversight when it comes to managing an adult’s finances.
Guardianship is the legal process that allows a court-appointed person to make medical, personal, or financial decisions for someone who can’t make those decisions on their own. Ray says the goal of the bill isn’t to change the purpose of guardianship, but to make the process more consistent and transparent.
The legislation would require additional financial documentation when guardians handle a ward’s estate and establish new reporting requirements, particularly for guardians of adults deemed incompetent.
Ray told lawmakers the updates are designed to better reflect how guardianship works today while still protecting vulnerable Ohioans.
House Bill 491 is now awaiting further discussion in committee.
