This bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to enhance the legal framework surrounding child welfare, custody, and the response to missing children cases. It establishes a missing children clearinghouse within the attorney general's office, introduces a toll-free hotline for reporting sightings of missing children, and mandates educational programs for schools. The bill also creates a missing children fund to support these initiatives and requires educational institutions to notify law enforcement and the clearinghouse if a missing child is identified. Additionally, the bill updates definitions related to parenting and legal custody, replacing "residential parent" with "designated parent" and clarifying the roles of parents and legal custodians in custody matters.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of judges in domestic relations and juvenile courts, emphasizing the need for clear definitions and procedures regarding parenting responsibilities and child custody. It introduces new terms such as "parenting plan" and "companionship," while also addressing the rights of parents in active military service and the handling of child support obligations. The legislation aims to streamline judicial processes, enhance the protection of children's welfare, and ensure that the best interests of children are prioritized in legal proceedings. Overall, the bill seeks to modernize and clarify existing laws to better serve families and children in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 109.65, 313.121, 1713.55, 1733.242, 2108.81, 2111.08, 2151.011, 2151.23, 2151.33, 2151.90, 2301.03, 2307.50, 2317.02, 2701.03, 2705.031, 2901.30, 3101.041, 3105.011, 3105.21, 3105.63, 3105.65, 3109.03, 3109.04, 3109.043, 3109.05, 3109.051, 3109.052, 3109.054, 3109.055, 3109.06, 3109.061, 3109.09, 3109.11, 3109.12, 3109.401, 3109.41, 3109.42, 3109.43, 3109.44, 3109.47, 3109.48, 3109.50, 3109.51, 3109.52, 3109.53, 3109.55, 3109.56, 3109.58, 3109.60, 3109.65, 3109.66, 3109.68, 3109.74, 3111.13, 3111.26, 3111.381, 3113.31, 3119.01, 3119.06, 3119.07, 3119.08, 3119.24, 3119.82, 3119.87, 3119.964, 3125.03, 3125.06, 3125.43, 3127.01, 3127.11, 3127.23, 3127.35, 3310.51, 3313.205, 3313.64, 3313.666, 3313.672, 3313.712, 3313.96, 3313.98, 3319.321, 3321.01, 3323.143, 3328.01, 3332.25, 3333.26, 3345.85, 3701.503, 3780.33, 3796.24, 3902.13, 3924.47, 5104.017, 5104.018, 5104.039, 5107.02, 5120.652, 5120.653, 5123.01, 5153.16, 5180.14, 3109.0497, 3109.0515, 3109.0550, 3109.0570, 3109.041, 3109.042, 3109.053