OH SB265

Amends Ohio Revised Code section 109.572 to add animal cruelty offenses (sections 959.13, 959.131, 959.15, 959.16, and 959.21) as potentially disqualifying offenses in criminal background checks

Applies to prospective foster caregivers, prospective adoptive parents, and other individuals who will be responsible for or reside in the same household as children

Criminal records checks are conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation upon requests made pursuant to sections 2151.86, 2151.904, or 5103.053 of the Revised Code

Convictions or guilty pleas to these animal-related offenses would be flagged alongside existing disqualifying offenses including violent crimes, sex offenses, drug offenses, and child endangerment