Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Opponents tell Judiciary Committee Senate Bill 174 would give courts broad discretion over parental rights
Summary
Witnesses including Elizabeth McNees and Nicole Amell testified in opposition to Senate Bill 174, saying the bill centers court authority over parental rights, allows decisions on a preponderance of evidence, and lacks guardrails or oversight for guardian ad litem conduct.
Several opponents testified against Senate Bill 174 at its sixth committee hearing, arguing the bill shifts decision‑making power from fit parents to courts and creates broad judicial discretion without adequate safeguards.
Elizabeth McNees, speaking for the Ohio National Parents Organization, said the bill "remains court centered and not child centered," criticized provisions that grant courts authority to…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
