The bill amends sections 2905.05 and 2950.01 of the Revised Code to redefine the criteria for the offense of criminal child enticement. It specifies that a person must act with either a sexual motivation or an unlawful purpose to be charged, replacing the previous requirement of "both." Additionally, the bill removes the necessity for the offender to have the express or implied permission of the child's guardian. It also clarifies that law enforcement officers or emergency service providers must be acting within the scope of their lawful duties to avoid charges. New penalties are established, classifying violations of division (A)(2) as a first-degree misdemeanor and division (A)(1) as a fifth-degree felony, which escalates to a fourth-degree felony for repeat offenders.

Am. H. B. No. 168 introduces a comprehensive overhaul of the classification and management of sex offenders and child-victim offenders in Ohio. It establishes tiered classifications (tier I, tier II, and tier III) based on the nature of offenses and prior convictions, detailing the classification process by juvenile courts. The bill also repeals existing sections 2905.05 and 2950.01, replacing them with new definitions for terms such as "juvenile offender registrant" and "restricted offender category." These changes aim to enhance the legal framework surrounding sex offender registration and classification, ensuring better public safety through more precise regulations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2905.05, 2950.01
As Reported By House Committee: 2905.05, 2950.01
As Passed By House: 2905.05, 2950.01