HB 7 Summary

• Amends cemetery endowment care trust requirements, requiring a minimum of 50% of gross sales proceeds to be deposited into trusts and allowing flexible distribution methods (net income or unitrust disbursement up to 5%).

• Modifies probate procedures for name changes and conforming legal names on identity documents, reducing residency requirements from one year to 60 days and creating streamlined processes with affidavit-based verification.

• Expands Ohio Legacy Trust Act protections, allowing certain retained rights and powers for transferors without disqualifying trusts from asset protection, including income receipt, veto powers, and removal/appointment of advisors.

• Clarifies that retired judges can receive civil case referrals only with unanimous party consent and written agreements specifying compensation, dispute resolution procedures, and scope of authority.

• Makes technical updates to probate law regarding anatomical gifts, guardianship powers, involuntary mental health commitments, and trust modification procedures to align with current practices.