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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Advocates are urging lawmakers to advance Senate Bill 341, which would prohibit marriage before age 18 without exceptions.
The Ohio Legislature’s status page lists the bill as reported by the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 10, 2026. The record reviewed November 11 does not show enactment.
The Legislative Service Commission explains that existing law permits some 17-year-olds to marry under specified court-approval, counseling, age-gap and waiting-period requirements. SB 341 would remove that exception.
Cleveland 19 reported that advocates and supporting lawmakers gathered at the Statehouse November 10 to call for Senate action before the legislative session ends.
For Cleveland families, the proposal would change the existing minimum-age rules only if enacted. A committee action is one stage of the legislative process; the bill has not become law.
