COLUMBUS, OH — A new Ohio law aimed at cracking down on the grooming of minors is set to take effect this week. Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 322 into law on January 8, and it officially goes into effect Wednesday.
The legislation makes it a criminal offense for any adult 18 or older to engage in a pattern of conduct with a minor under the age of 16—who is also at least four years younger than the adult—with the intent to entice, coerce, or solicit the child into sexual activity.
The bill, now Ohio law, mirrors similar laws passed in states like Vermont and Illinois and marks a significant shift in how authorities can respond to predatory behavior before abuse occurs.
The Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association supported the bill, which was co-sponsored by Republican State Representatives, including some from Central Ohio, who cited the high-profile case of Geoff Drew as a catalyst for change. Drew, a Cincinnati-area priest, was convicted in 2021 of sexually abusing a teenage boy and had reportedly demonstrated predatory behavior toward minors for years prior.
“This law gives prosecutors the tools they need to act on patterns of dangerous behavior before it’s too late,” said State Rep. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton), one of the bill’s co-sponsors. “We have a collective responsibility to protect Ohio children.”
In addition to creating a legal definition for grooming, House Bill 322 also increases accountability for mandatory reporters—including teachers, healthcare providers, and clergy—by allowing criminal penalties for those who knowingly fail to report suspected child abuse.
The law will take effect 90 days from the date of signing—this Wednesday, officially adding grooming to Ohio’s criminal code and expanding legal protections for minors across the state.
