The bill amends sections 2151.35 and 2152.11 of the Revised Code to eliminate informal hearings and dismissals in juvenile delinquency cases that are considered to be in the best interest of the child. It introduces provisions that prevent juvenile courts from dismissing cases involving children adjudicated as delinquent for serious offenses, such as felonies or acts of violence, even if dismissal is believed to be beneficial. The bill clarifies that the authority for informal hearings does not extend to serious offenses, ensuring that such cases are treated with the appropriate level of seriousness.

Furthermore, the bill outlines new procedures for adjudicatory and dispositional hearings, requiring separate hearings for dispositional orders in cases involving abused, neglected, or dependent children. It mandates that courts must issue a judgment within seven days following a dispositional hearing and sets guidelines for the admissibility of evidence, including hearsay statements from children. The bill also introduces definitions for terms related to juvenile offenders, such as "MSYO" (mandatory serious youthful offender disposition) and "offense of violence factor," while repealing existing sections 2151.35 and 2152.11, indicating a significant update to the legal framework governing juvenile justice.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2151.35, 2152.11