Ohio House Bill 686 Enacts the Parker Kahle Act to Govern Guardianship for Adult Children with Disabilities

Original title: Enact the Parker Kahle Act

Last action · February 18, 2026: Referred to JudiciarySponsors: Jean Schmidt and 12 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Ohio House Bill 686 enacts the Parker Kahle Act, allowing parents to apply for guardianship of an incompetent adult child when the child reaches 17 years and 6 months of age, while requiring courts to retain jurisdiction over parental rights and responsibilities until a probate guardianship order is finalized. The measure also standardizes probate court fees, updates rules for summary estate releases, and prohibits parents from canceling health coverage or public assistance benefits during pending guardianship proceedings.

Why it matters

Families seeking continuity of care and legal decision-making authority for children with disabilities approaching adulthood face new statutory timelines and protections, alongside adjustments to probate filing fees and estate administration thresholds.

Background

Ohio House Bill 686 was introduced in the 136th General Assembly as the Parker Kahle Act to address legal guardianship frameworks for young adults with disabilities. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Parents of adult children with disabilities

Parents may apply for guardianship earlier when their child reaches 17 years and 6 months of age and are prohibited from altering health coverage or public benefits during pending proceedings.

Directly affected

Probate courts

Probate courts must collect revised fee schedules, manage indigent guardianship fund deposits, and process early guardianship filings and standby nominations.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can a parent apply for guardianship of an adult child with a disability under this bill?

A parent or legal custodian may apply for guardianship of their incompetent adult child at any time after the child reaches 17 years and 6 months of age.

What happens to existing parental rights and responsibilities orders when an individual with a disability reaches the age of majority?

The court must retain jurisdiction over the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities until a probate court issues a final order appointing a guardian.

Can parents alter health care coverage or public assistance benefits while a guardianship proceeding is pending?

No, the court having jurisdiction must prohibit either parent from canceling or making changes to health care coverage or public assistance benefits for the person with a disability while the guardianship proceeding is pending.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

2 actions

Feb 18, 2026HouseCommittee
Referred to Judiciary
Feb 10, 2026HouseIntroduced
Introduced

Version history

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