The proposed bill, known as the Right to Know Act, amends 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 affidavits. 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 charge the parents for the testing. However, they may bill health benefit plans for the costs associated with the genetic testing. 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 ensure that unwed parents have access to paternity confirmation through genetic testing, thereby enhancing the accuracy of birth records.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3705.01, 3705.09