COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Senate has passed legislation that would create new restrictions on when certain registered sex offenders can enter schools, child care facilities and school-sponsored events.
Senate Bill 422 would prohibit Tier II and Tier III offenders, along with some Tier I offenders convicted of offenses involving children, from knowingly entering school property or attending school-related activities.
Supporters of the measure say the bill would establish consistent statewide standards aimed at enhancing student safety and reducing opportunities for contact between convicted offenders and children in educational settings.
The proposal includes several exceptions. Parents who are registered offenders would still be allowed to pick up or drop off their children, attend certain meetings when students are not present, respond to emergencies and vote at schools serving as polling locations.
The legislation also requires county sheriffs to notify offenders of the new restrictions during registration and explain the circumstances under which they may legally enter school property.
Violations would carry increasing penalties, ranging from misdemeanor charges for a first offense to felony charges for repeat violations.
The bill now moves to the Ohio House, where lawmakers will consider whether to advance the proposal.
