Senate Passes Manning, Timken Bill Protecting Children From Sexually Oriented Crimes

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 393, sponsored by State Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and State Senator Jane Timken (R-North Canton), to increase penalties for certain sexually oriented offenses involving child victims and animals.

“As state legislators, it is our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable Ohioans,” said Senator Manning. “This bill makes necessary updates to Ohio law to ensure that criminals who prey on juveniles receive penalties that fit the severity of the crime."

SB 393 changes Ohio's age of consent law from 16 to 18 years-old while establishing a close-in-age exemption for individuals four years apart, which, as an example, can be applied to a relationship between a 17-and 18-year-old. The bill creates different charges depending on whether the individuals are 4-10 years apart, or more than 10 years apart, with no charge if they are less than four years apart. Additionally, the bill creates a new penalty for juvenile "sexting," which establishes prosecutorial discretion with a base charge of a misdemeanor offense.

"It is necessary that Ohio's law continues to protect our most vulnerable citizens," said Senator Timken. "Increasing penalties proportional to the amount of child pornography confiscated ensures that these predators have no opportunity to harm the public. I'm grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for recognizing that this legislation will make for a stronger and safer Ohio."

The bill increases the sentencing penalty for an individual if the offense includes artificially generated depictions of a minor. It also adjusts sentencing requirements for offenders who create, sell, disseminate and possess child sex abuse material and makes common sense updates to bring Ohio in line with federal standards. Additionally, penalties for bestiality are raised to a level five felony.

SB 393 now heads to the Ohio House for further consideration.

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