The bill amends section 2919.24 of the Revised Code to establish the offense of neglect of parental duties. It defines specific actions that constitute neglect, particularly for parents, guardians, or custodians of children who have been previously adjudicated as unruly or delinquent. The new legal language includes provisions that make it a misdemeanor for these individuals to knowingly fail to take reasonable steps to prevent further unruly or delinquent conduct by the child, as well as to recklessly fail to ensure the child does not become an habitual truant or comply with court orders.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that violations of these new provisions can lead to penalties, including mandatory completion of a parenting class. If an individual has prior convictions for neglect of parental duties, the offense escalates to a felony of the fifth degree. The existing section 2919.24 is repealed, indicating a complete overhaul of the previous legal framework regarding parental responsibilities in relation to juvenile delinquency and unruliness.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2919.24