The bill, known as "Keith's Law," aims to amend sections 3304.23 and 5502.08 of the Revised Code to broaden the definition of disabilities included in the communication disability database. It expands the database to encompass any person with a disability, rather than limiting it to those with communication impairments. The bill introduces new legal language that defines various types of disabilities, including intellectual impairments, hearing and speech impairments, visual impairments, emotional disturbances, and more. Additionally, it mandates that the verification form for inclusion in the database be made electronically available and that public outreach be conducted to inform individuals about the database.

Furthermore, the bill enhances access to the database through countywide 9-1-1 systems, ensuring that emergency responders, including law enforcement and emergency medical service personnel, can access critical information about individuals with disabilities during emergencies. The existing definitions of "communication disability" and "disability that can impair communication" are deleted, and new definitions are inserted to reflect the broader scope of disabilities. The bill also stipulates that information in the database is not subject to public record laws, thereby protecting the privacy of individuals registered in the system.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3304.23, 5502.08