Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine applauded today’s signing of legislation strengthening background check and human trafficking laws, as well as legislation signed earlier this week updating aspects of Ohio’s foster care laws.
“I thank Governor Kasich and the legislature for enacting these important laws,” said Attorney General DeWine. “Because of these bills, employers will receive more complete background checks, prosecutors will have more tools to go after underage sex trafficking, and foster youth will have more opportunities for normalcy while in foster care.”
Governor Kasich this week signed the following bills which Attorney General DeWine supported and advocated:
- Senate Bill 143 (sponsored by Sen. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), signed June 20): authorizes the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to disclose in background checks certain arrests that still have criminal proceedings pending. (Effective 90 days from enrollment with Secretary of State)
- House Bill 130 (sponsored by Rep. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo), signed June 20): makes multiple changes regarding human trafficking offenses, including removing the need for prosecutors to prove a victim under 16 or with a developmental disability was compelled to engage in commercial sexual activity, and increasing the penalties for soliciting minors or persons with developmental disabilities. (Effective immediately)
- House Bill 213 (sponsored by Rep. Dorothy Pelanda (R-Marysville) and Rep. Nicholas J. Celebrezze (D-Parma), signed June 17): makes several changes to Ohio’s foster care laws, including enhancing the ability of foster youth to participate in extra-curricular activities, and allowing a court to terminate parental rights if the child has been abused or neglected three or more times. (Effective 90 days from enrollment with Secretary of State)
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