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 updates definitions related to child abuse and neglect reporting, including "elected official" and "health care professional," while clarifying the roles of public children services agencies and peace officers in investigations. It mandates that peace officers consult with public children services agencies before removing a child from guardianship unless immediate action is necessary for safety. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of reporters, establishes immunity for good faith reporting, and clarifies that the physician-patient privilege cannot be used to exclude evidence in judicial proceedings related to child abuse or neglect. Additionally, it repeals the existing section 2151.421, indicating a significant overhaul of the legal framework governing these definitions and responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2151.421