Ohio Governor Signs Bill to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse

COLUMBUS –State Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) is pleased to announce that House Bill 322, legislation to protect Ohio children from sexual abuse, was signed into law today. Abrams sponsored the legislation alongside former State Rep. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati).

The bill will create the offense of grooming, allowing prosecutors to pursue criminal penalties against individuals who demonstrate a pattern of inappropriate behavior towards minors. 

“We have a collective responsibility to protect Ohio children, and House Bill 322 will allow us to do so,” said Abrams. “We know when something is wrong, and we must speak up for the sake of our children and the safety or our communities. I’m grateful for all the constituents who helped move this important legislation forward.”

This legislation will also allow prosecutors to pursue criminal penalties against mandatory reporters who fail to report child abuse.

House Bill 322 will take effect in 90 days.