The proposed bill, known as the Right to Know Act, seeks to amend sections 3705.01 and 3705.09 of the Revised Code to mandate that institutions offer genetic testing to confirm paternity when a child is born to unwed parents. The bill introduces new legal language defining "genetic testing" and outlines the responsibilities of institutions regarding the acknowledgment of paternity. Specifically, it requires that before providing an acknowledgment of paternity affidavit, institutions must offer genetic testing to the child and the father at no cost. If either party declines the testing, the institution must document this decision.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that institutions cannot withhold the acknowledgment of paternity affidavit regardless of the genetic testing results and cannot bill the parents for the testing costs, although they may bill health benefit plans. The bill also clarifies that if the father is not named on the birth certificate, no further information about him will be recorded. Overall, the Right to Know Act aims to enhance the process of establishing paternity for children born to unwed parents while ensuring that genetic testing is accessible and free of charge.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3705.01, 3705.09