Violating the law would constitute a minimum of a second degree misdemeanor, which carries the potential for up to 90 days in jail. However, the punishment can increase in a variety of scenarios. For example, if a victim is under 13 years of age, or if the offender used alcohol or drugs in the act, it would be a fifth degree felony.
“Under current law it’s very difficult to prosecute someone who potentially is going to sexually abuse a child and is grooming them for that,” said Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Sen. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville, on why the bill is necessary.
The bill was backed by prosecuting attorneys and advocacy groups such as the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests and Ohioans for Child Protection. The bill saw no opposition in committee.
“With the growth in technology, our children are more accessible than ever before, when you are able to prove a predator is manipulating a child for the purpose of abuse, law enforcement should have the ability to act. This law does that,” said Rebecca Surendorff, co-founder of Ohioans for Child Protection.
The bill now goes to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature.
