The bill amends section 4973.17 of the Revised Code and enacts section 5502.54 to establish an escaped convict alert program and expand the authority for appointing banking police officers. It allows prior parent companies of banks to apply to the Secretary of State for the appointment and commissioning of police officers, enabling these companies to designate individuals to act as police officers for the banks they previously controlled. The bill outlines the qualifications and responsibilities of these officers, including citizenship requirements and the completion of an approved training program. It also clarifies the definition of a "prior parent company of a bank" and the conditions for applying for police officer appointments, aiming to enhance security measures within banking institutions.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for appointing police officers for amusement parks with significant yearly attendance and their own security departments. Judges from municipal or county courts can appoint designated individuals as police officers, contingent upon approval from local chiefs of police and a written agreement with the amusement park's owner or operator. The bill also establishes an "escaped convict alert program" to assist in locating individuals who escape from correctional facilities while awaiting felony adjudication, allowing law enforcement to activate the alert without imposing liability on broadcasting stations. The existing section 4973.17 of the Revised Code is repealed to streamline the legal framework surrounding these provisions.

Statutes affected:
As Reported By Senate Committee: 4973.17
As Passed By Senate: 4973.17
As Enrolled: 4973.17