Lampton introduces Jacob’s Law legislation

MIAMI VALLEY — State Representative Brian Lampton, R-Beavercreek, introduced legislation that would create a registry of information on individuals who have been convicted of crimes against children.

House Bill 161, also known as Jacob’s Law, was inspired by the death of a 2-year-old Dayton boy in August 2015. Jacob Barker was killed by his mother’s then-boyfriend, Justin Payne.

Payne had been previously convicted of endangering a child in 2011, a conviction neither his mother or father knew about.

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“Jacob’s death is tragic and intolerable. House Bill 161 has the potential to protect children from ever getting abused by a convict with a history of harming children,” said Lampton. “It’s time to standup for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Creating this child abuse registry will protect Ohio’s children and give families the proper precautions to protect their loved ones.”

Jacob’s Law made movement in the 133rd General Assembly, but did not become law. House Bill 161 is almost identical to Jacob’s Law from the previous GA. Slight adjustments were made, including the addition that persons convicted of “domestic violence against a minor” and “permitting child abuse” to the violent offender database, without the need for an appropriation within the bill.

The bill has been referred to the House Criminal Justice Committee for review.

Cox Media Group