The bill amends section 2151.421 of the Revised Code to designate elected officials as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect. It introduces new legal language requiring elected officials who know or suspect that a child under eighteen or a person under twenty-one with a developmental disability or physical impairment is at risk of abuse or neglect to report this information immediately to the appropriate public children services agency or peace officer. Additionally, if the elected official is already categorized as a mandatory reporter, they must report regardless of their official capacity. The bill retains existing provisions regarding the reporting process while expanding the scope of mandatory reporters to include elected officials, thereby enhancing the protection of vulnerable children.

Moreover, the bill establishes that peace officers must consult with public children services agencies before removing a child from their guardians unless immediate removal is necessary for safety. It mandates that public children services agencies investigate reports of abuse or neglect within twenty-four hours and emphasizes confidentiality while allowing for certain disclosures in judicial proceedings. The bill also introduces new definitions, clarifies the roles of health care professionals, and specifies that individuals involved in reporting or investigating child abuse or neglect are granted immunity from liability if acting in good faith. Additionally, it defines "peace officer" to encompass various law enforcement roles and includes a provision to repeal the existing section 2151.421, indicating a significant overhaul of the legal framework governing these processes.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2151.421