The bill introduced by Representative Lorenz seeks to amend sections 2151.421 and 4113.99 of the Revised Code and enact section 4113.90, focusing on the responsibilities of employers in reporting suspected sexual assault involving minor employees. It mandates that any employer who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child under eighteen or a person under twenty-one with a developmental disability or physical impairment has suffered or is facing a threat of sexual assault must report this information within forty-eight hours to the appropriate public children services agency or peace officer. The bill also clarifies the reporting obligations for various professionals while maintaining confidentiality protections for attorney-client and physician-patient communications under certain circumstances.

Additionally, the legislation emphasizes the importance of timely reporting to protect minors and aligns with existing laws on child abuse and neglect. It introduces a requirement for the director of job and family services to create a one-hour virtual training program for employers to help them identify and report instances of sexual assault, which must be provided to new employees. The bill establishes penalties for failing to comply with these training requirements, categorizing such violations as a misdemeanor in the fourth degree, and repeals the previous sections 2151.421 and 4113.99, which may have contained outdated regulations. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the protection of children from abuse and neglect while ensuring accountability among employers regarding sexual assault reporting.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2151.421, 4113.99