The bill introduced by Representative Williams seeks to improve the identification of human trafficking risks among students in Ohio public schools by mandating annual screenings using the University of Toledo's FOCUS youth screening tool, starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It amends sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 of the Revised Code and enacts a new section, 3313.675, which requires school districts to report screening results to the University of Toledo. The University will provide training on the tool's use and create an online portal for tracking and sharing data while ensuring student anonymity. Importantly, the bill stipulates that personally identifiable information from the screenings will not be disclosed and that the results will not be considered public records.

In addition to the human trafficking screening provisions, the bill also addresses the oversight and financial management of community schools. It allows contracts between sponsors and governing authorities to include payments for monitoring and technical assistance, capped at three percent of the school's state operating expenses. The bill outlines specific responsibilities for sponsors, including annual evaluations and intervention in cases of poor performance. It also mandates that STEM schools and college-preparatory boarding schools comply with legal requirements similar to those of school districts. The bill repeals existing sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24, and appropriates funds for the necessary training to implement the new screening tool effectively.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24