OH SB198

Raises the minimum marriage age in Ohio from 16 to 18 years for all persons, eliminating the previous distinction between males and females.

Allows 16 and 17-year-olds to marry only with juvenile court consent and parental or guardian consent obtained through specific procedures outlined in revised sections 3101.021 to 3101.024.

Requires parental consent to be given personally before a probate judge, deputy clerk, or certified in writing with witnesses for minors aged 16-17 seeking marriage licenses.

Exempts parents from consent requirements if they reside in a foreign country, have abandoned or neglected the minor for one year or longer, are adjudged incompetent, are incarcerated, or have had parental rights permanently terminated by a court.

Maintains existing provisions regarding marriage eligibility for persons 18 and older, including restrictions on marriage between closer than second cousins and requirements for marriage counseling for minors.