Ohio House Passes Legislation Preventing Discrimination of Blind Parents

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jon Cross (R-Kenton) today announced the unanimous House passage of House Bill 188, bipartisan legislation that prohibits blindness from denying or limiting care of a minor.

“This is important legislation that ensures courts and child placement agencies are not discriminating against blind parents when determining the placement of a child,” said Cross, who sponsored the bill. “House Bill 188 will help keep families together and avoid prejudiced custody battles."

Under the bill, a court, public children services agency (PCSA), private child placing agency (PCPA), or private noncustodial agency (PNA) are prohibited from using a person’s disability as a reason to deny or limit that person’s care the child, except when necessary to serve the best interests of the minor.

In addition, the legislation allows a court, PCSA, PCPA, or PNA to determine if a person’s blindness or disability would have a detrimental impact on the health, safety, and welfare of the child by following certain requirements established by H.B. 188.

“Parents shouldn’t be denied the opportunity to raise their child in a loving environment because of their blindness,” added Cross.

H.B. 188 now heads to the Senate for consideration.