Reps. Click and Lorenz Announce Passage of Keith's Law

COLUMBUS—State Representatives Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Brian Lorenz (R-Powell) are pleased to announce the Ohio House of Representatives passed Keith’s Law, legislation to enhance first responders’ ability to assist individuals with special needs during emergencies.

House Bill 144, sponsored by Click and Lorenz, will establish a voluntary statewide database for special needs individuals to share relevant and vital information with first responders in advance of a crisis. This information will be shared with each county 9-1-1 system which will be required to provide appropriate information to first responders when dispatched to provide services, ensuring responders are best prepared to provide potentially life-saving assistance to the person in need.

“I am grateful to local resident Keith Jesse for inviting me to Gilbert’s Place in Bellevue to pitch this legislation,” said Click. “Thanks to his efforts, Keith’s Law is one step closer to becoming law in Ohio. Every first responder knows that time is of the essence when an emergency strikes and each passing second becomes crucial. This statewide database would be widely accessible to all Ohioans and carries the advantage of extending responsiveness across the state without being limited by the boundaries of various patchwork communities.”

“Individuals with a disability deal with challenges and situations that oftentimes require unique responses, and we believe this legislation will help our first responders appropriately handle situations involving these individuals,” said Lorenz. “This bill will help Ohioans with disabilities and first responders alike.”

The database will be administered by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities in partnership with the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Keith’s Law awaits consideration from the Ohio Senate.