HB 470 Summary

• Eliminates the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of rape (violations of Ohio Revised Code section 2907.02), allowing prosecutions to be brought at any time.

• Extends the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse victims to any time until the victim reaches 55 years of age, or within three years of discovery of facts if discovered after age 55.

• Revives previously barred civil claims for childhood sexual abuse that expired under prior law, allowing new actions to be filed within three years of the bill's effective date.

• Expands the definition of "childhood sexual abuse" to include various sexual offenses committed against minors under 18 (or under 21 if developmentally disabled) by persons in positions of authority such as teachers, coaches, clergy, mental health professionals, and others.

• Requires law enforcement agencies to conduct DNA analysis on sexual assault examination kits and establishes specific retention periods for biological evidence in sexual abuse cases, ranging from 30 years if unsolved to the length of incarceration if convicted.