Senator Gavarone Introduces Bill Safeguarding The Public From Violent Offenders

COLUMBUS—State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) introduced Senate Bill 357, legislation which would make it easier for the public to access the Violent Offender Database, add second degree felony strangulation to the offenses requiring registration, and make such information available to law enforcement through LEADS, the Law Enforcement Automated Data System.

In December of 2018, Senate Bill 231, known as Sierah’s Law, was signed into law by then Governor John Kasich, creating the statewide Violent Offender Database. Named after Sierah Joughin, a University of Toledo Student who was murdered by a neighbor with a history of violent offenses, this law requires violent offenders to enroll in the database for ten years, subject to possible extensions. Since Sierah's Law has gone into effect, nearly 6,000 violent offenders in Ohio have been registered in the database.

“Ten years ago, a young woman with a promising future was abducted and murdered by an individual with a violent past who lived close to her home, but her story does not end there as she continues to make a difference across our state,” said Senator Gavarone. “With the passage of Sierah’s Law in 2018, the legacy of Sierah Joughin has become synonymous with equipping Ohioans with tools for self-defense and creating safer communities.”

Senate Bill 357 would improve the Violent Offender Database so that the public could access this vital information from any location. Under current law, the only way the public can access this database is at their local sheriff’s office. Also, by including this information in LEADS, we are giving law enforcement additional information to better protect their safety.

“By making this database more accessible, Ohioans will have another tool at their disposal to protect themselves and their loved ones,” added Senator Gavarone. “Having this information at your fingertips, whether you are law enforcement or a family that just moved into a new neighborhood, is knowledge that can be lifesaving.”

Senate Bill 357 is currently awaiting committee assignment.

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