Reps. Plummer, Young Host Press Conference Highlighting Legislation to Strengthen Child Protection Laws

COLUMBUS, OH - State Representatives Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Tom Young (R-Washington Twp.) today hosted a press conference highlighting House Bill 635, the 'Enact the Child Protection Reform Act.'

The bill works to tighten reporting requirements, expand information sharing, reduce gaps between law enforcement and children services, increase oversight of children in custody, and strengthen accountability when abuse occurs - or when warning signs are missed.

"This is not symbolic legislation," said Rep. Plummer. "It is thoughtful, structural reform aimed at preventing missed warning signs and delays in intervention. When the state becomes involved in a child's life, we have a responsibility to respond carefully, appropriately, and with the child's safety at the center."

"House Bill 635 addresses one core responsibility: protecting children when the system fails to act early, clearly, and consistently," said Rep. Young. "This legislation strengthens accountability in child protection investigations, clarifies agency responsibilities, and ensures serious cases involving abuse or violence against children are handled with urgency."

The legislation is also designed to improve cross-county and cross-agency coordination by requiring critical information to follow a child and ensuring agencies share records, so no child falls through jurisdictional gaps. It integrates law enforcement data into child welfare decisions, requiring domestic violence information to be reviewed in abuse and neglect investigations so patterns of harm are not overlooked. Additionally, the bill increases oversight of residential and congregate care placements by requiring more frequent in-person visits and documented reporting.

House Bill 635 awaits its second hearing in the House Children and Human Services Committee.

To watch the press conference in full, please click here.