The bill amends sections 1349.10 and 1349.101 of the Revised Code and enacts section 109.1111 to create the Innocence Act Enforcement Fund, which will support expenses incurred by the Attorney General's office. This fund will receive up to 25% of all civil penalties collected under section 1349.101. The bill enhances the Attorney General's enforcement authority, allowing for investigations into organizations that violate the Innocence Act, which regulates the sale and distribution of materials considered obscene or harmful to juveniles. Key provisions require organizations to implement age verification methods, delete identifying information post-verification, and maintain a data privacy policy.

Additionally, the bill allows the Attorney General to initiate enforcement actions without prior notice for violations occurring two years after the amendment's effective date, with civil penalties of up to $100,000 per day for non-compliance. It repeals existing sections 1349.10 and 1349.101, renaming the new provisions as the Innocence Act, and clarifies that the Attorney General has exclusive enforcement authority, eliminating any private right of action. The bill also includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part is invalidated, the remaining provisions remain enforceable.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2307.66, 2917.211, 2981.02
As Reported By House Committee: 1349.10, 1349.101