Rep. D. Thomas Votes in Support Bill to Strengthen Protections for Victims of Sex Offenders

(Columbus, Ohio) - Representative David Thomas (R-Jefferson) recently voted in support of House Bill 102, legislation aimed at closing a loophole in the state's Sex Offender Registry and Notification (SORN) laws.

House Bill 102 expands residency and loitering restrictions for registered sex offenders, ensuring stronger protection for victims, especially children, who may continue to face proximity to their abusers.

"I always thought this was law already, it just makes sense, and I am glad that we have moved on this policy fast," said Representative Thomas. "No victim should have to live in fear of their abuser."

The legislation is modeled after Oklahoma's Senate Bill 1221, which passed with unanimous support in 2018 and has been adopted in several other states. House Bill 102 aims to protect Ohio's most vulnerable residents by ensuring that victims do not have to live in fear of encountering their abuser on a daily basis.

House Bill 102 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.