OH HB596

Adds requirement that putative fathers register with the putative father registry before or within 30 days after a child's birth to preserve their consent rights in adoption proceedings, with no registration fee.

Makes false registration as a putative father in the registry a first degree misdemeanor.

Establishes that failure by the director or government entities to effectively promote awareness of the putative father registry does not relieve a putative father from consequences of failing to timely register.

Removes a 90-day deadline for the director of job and family services to adopt rules governing the putative father registry and establishes a separate requirement for the director to maintain a campaign promoting awareness of the registry.

Updates references to the Department of Human Services to the Department of Job and Family Services in adoption consent provisions for children born before January 1, 1997.