Ohio Legislators Seek to Close Sex Offender Loophole in Nursing Homes
More than 100 registered sex offenders currently reside in Ohio nursing homes without residents and their families knowing their offenses or their very existence. Senate Bill 130, sponsored by Senator Capri Cafro (D-Hubbard) would force nursing home administrators to notify residents, family members, and guardians when a sex offender with a Tier III status intends upon moving into the facility. Tier III offenses include rape, sexual battery, kidnapping of a minor, and gross sexual imposition on a child younger than 12. Currently, nearly 2/3 of the registered sex offenders living in Ohio nursing homes are Tier III status.
Current Ohio law only requires that anyone living within 1,000 feet of the sex offender be notified. The law does not require nursing home administrators to inform residents, family, or guardians.
The bill calls for a $100 per day violation for facilities that fail to comply with the new legislation.
