The bill, introduced by Representative Lorenz, amends sections 2151.421 and 4113.99 of the Revised Code and enacts section 4113.90, establishing a requirement for employers to report 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 at risk of suffering sexual assault must report this information to the appropriate authorities within forty-eight hours. The bill also expands the definition of individuals required to report suspected abuse or neglect to include employers acting in a professional capacity, thereby enhancing the protection of minors and increasing accountability for reporting suspected abuse.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of public children services agencies in investigating reports of child abuse or neglect and mandates that they inform relevant parties about the status of investigations. It introduces penalties for individuals who fail to report suspected abuse or neglect and requires 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. Non-compliance with the training requirement is categorized as a misdemeanor in the fourth degree. The bill also repeals existing sections 2151.421 and 4113.99, which may have contained previous regulations related to these matters, aiming to enhance awareness and accountability among employers regarding sexual assault in the workplace.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2151.421, 4113.99