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 any elected official who knows or suspects 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 abuse or neglect to report this information immediately to the public children services agency or a peace officer. Additionally, if the elected official is also a peace officer, they must report to the public children services agency in the relevant county. The bill clarifies that elected officials who are also mandatory reporters must report regardless of their official capacity, thereby enhancing accountability in child welfare issues.

Moreover, the bill expands the definition of "health care professional" to include a broader range of practitioners while excluding certain professionals. It also clarifies definitions for "investigation" and "peace officer," and mandates that public children services agencies investigate reports of child abuse or neglect within twenty-four hours. The bill emphasizes the importance of timely communication with individuals who report suspected abuse and outlines the responsibilities of public children services agencies in providing protective services. Additionally, it repeals the existing section 2151.421 of the Revised Code, indicating a significant change in the legal framework surrounding these definitions and processes.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2151.421