Ohio House Bill 322 (2025), also known as the “Grooming Offenses Act” created a civil offense of grooming, imposed penalties on offenders, and established registry requirements for individuals who are convicted of child sexual abuse.
Ohio House Bill 161 did not carry a popular short title but is widely described as the bill “removing spousal exemptions for sexual offenses.” It removes spousal exceptions for sexual offenses such as rape and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, therefore eliminating the loophole that previously protected individuals from being prosecuted from sexual offenses against their spouse. This law also allows a person to testify against their spouse in prosecuting these offenses.
Ohio House Bill 8 (2025), referred to by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” law and the “Parents Bill of Rights” requires schools to notify parents about any instruction concerning sexuality and about disclosures regarding a student’s sexuality. Parents may request alternative class materials if they object to the subject matter.
Ohio Revised Code § 2317.56 requires physicians, absent a medical emergency, to meet with a pregnant patient at least twenty-four hours before an abortion procedure to provide specified information regarding the nature and risks of the procedure. Compliance with these informed consent requirements is a condition of performing a lawful abortion.
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.211 defines menacing by stalking as a pattern of conduct involving two or more related incidents directed at another person, or at one or more persons within the same organization, that knowingly causes fear of physical harm or mental distress. The offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree, but it becomes a felony of the fourth or fifth degree when aggravating factors exist, including prior convictions, threats of violence, or use of electronic communications.
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2907 defines and classifies sex offenses within the state’s criminal code. It encompasses crimes involving sexual conduct, contact, and solicitation, addressing both physical acts and preparatory or exploitative behavior.
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2919 governs offenses against the family.
Ohio Revised Code Title 31 contains provisions on domestic relations and children. Chapter 3113 addresses neglect, abandonment, and domestic violence involving children, covering court procedures, protective services, and funding. Chapter 3109 governs child abuse prevention, custody
Ohio Revised Code § 4112.02 prohibits unlawful discriminatory practices in employment, though exemptions exist for religious institutions with respect to hiring based on religion.
Ohio Senate Bill 104 (2024), titled the Protect All Students Act, restricts transgender individuals’ access to school and university bathrooms by requiring facilities to be designated solely for male or female use based on biological sex. It prohibits schools from establishing multi-gendered or gender-neutral facilities and bars students of different biological sexes from sharing overnight accommodations.
