The proposed bill, known as Andy Chapman's Act, aims to improve the response to missing persons cases in Ohio by mandating law enforcement agencies to enter information about missing individuals into the national missing and unidentified persons system (NamUs). The bill amends sections 2901.30, 2901.41, and 2901.42 of the Revised Code and introduces a new section, 109.5731, which requires the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation to establish digitalized records of missing persons. It also updates key definitions, including the introduction of "high-risk missing child" and "high-risk missing person," which set specific criteria for identifying individuals who may be in imminent danger.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies upon receiving reports of missing persons, emphasizing the need for prompt action, particularly for missing children. Agencies must assess whether a child is high-risk and enter information into both the National Crime Information Center and NamUs if the child is not located within thirty days. The legislation also mandates the electronic retention of all missing children reports and encourages collaboration between law enforcement and public children services agencies. The bill repeals existing sections of the Revised Code related to missing persons, thereby consolidating and updating the legal framework governing these cases.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2901.30, 2901.41, 2901.42
As Reported By House Committee: 2901.30, 2901.41, 2901.42
As Passed By House: 2901.30, 2901.41, 2901.42