Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that repeals loopholes in child enticement laws to allow prosecution in certain cases in Ohio.

Highlights:

• Requires that no individual, without the legal privilege, should knowingly solicit, coax, entice, or lure a child under 14 years of age to accompany them in any manner (Sec. 2905.05(A)).

• Establishes 2 categories of criminal offenses based on the intent of a person’s actions (Sec. 2905.05(E)): 

• If the person acts with a sexual motivation, the offense is a fifth-degree felony but may increase to a fourth or third-degree felony if the person has had previous convictions. 

• If the person acts with another unlawful purpose, the offense is a first-degree misdemeanor but can become a fifth-degree felony if the person has had prior convictions involving a child.

• Establishes a legal defense if the person acted in response to an emergency where their actions were necessary to protect the child’s health and safety (Sec. 2905.05(D)).

• Authorizes prosecution to charge a person with multiple violations for the same act, but the person can only be punished for one if the charges are for the same conduct and victim (Sec. 2905.05(F)).

Full Bill Text