OH HB371

Elected officials in Ohio would become mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect, required to immediately report suspected abuse to public children services agencies or peace officers

"Elected official" is defined as any elected officer of the state or political subdivision, excluding members of central committees of political parties

Elected officials who also hold positions already designated as mandatory reporters (such as attorneys or teachers) must report under the elected official requirement regardless of whether they are acting in their other professional capacity

Reports must be made to the public children services agency or peace officer in the county where the child resides or where the abuse is occurring

The requirement covers children under 18 and persons under 21 with developmental disabilities or physical impairments who have suffered or face threats of physical or mental wounds, injuries, disabilities, or conditions indicating abuse or neglect