To amend sections 2151.23, 2151.233, 2151.352, 3101.01, 3101.05, and 3109.011 and to repeal sections 3101.02, 3101.04, 3101.041, and 3101.042 of the Revised Code to repeal law that authorizes a person who is seventeen years of age to marry.
Summary
HB670 would repeal Ohio law that currently allows a 17-year-old to marry with court approval and counseling. The bill removes the existing statutory pathway for underage marriage by repealing sections of the Revised Code that authorize consent to marry for minors and by revising related provisions governing marriage licenses, juvenile court jurisdiction, and the legal status of persons who previously received consent to marry.
In addition to eliminating the 17-year-old marriage exception, the bill updates cross-references in juvenile and domestic relations law to reflect the repeal. It amends juvenile court jurisdiction provisions and counsel-rights language to conform to the removal of consent-to-marry procedures, and it repeals obsolete sections tied to the former underage marriage framework. The bill also preserves the general marriage-license process for adults and keeps existing requirements for proof of age and application disclosures.
Impact
If enacted, HB670 would change Ohio marriage law by setting the minimum marriage age at 18 without exception for 17-year-olds. It would eliminate probate-court authority to grant consent to marry to minors, repeal related capacity provisions for those previously granted consent, and remove statutory language that currently contemplates marriage counseling and court approval for 17-year-old applicants. The bill would also require conforming changes in juvenile court statutes and marriage-license procedures, affecting probate courts, juvenile courts, minors, parents or guardians, and marriage-license applicants.
Sentiment
The bill’s framing and title suggest a clear policy goal of ending child marriage in Ohio, and the introduced text reflects a straightforward, reform-oriented approach. No committee transcript or recorded vote information is available in the provided materials, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to indicate broader support or opposition. Based on the bill language alone, the measure appears to be presented as a protective change rather than a controversial restructuring of marriage law.
Contention
The main point of contention is the elimination of any legal avenue for 17-year-olds to marry, which would remove judicial discretion and parental/court approval as a safeguard or exception. Supporters are likely to view the bill as a child-protection measure that prevents underage marriage and its associated risks, while opponents may argue that it removes flexibility for families and courts in limited circumstances. Because no discussion transcript is provided, the specific arguments of legislators or stakeholders are not documented in the record here.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.