Ohio H.B. 10, 128^th General Assembly
Protection Order for Youth – Dating Partner/Domestic Violence
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=128_HB_10

• Permits a child who is less than 18 years of age to file a petition for a protection order on the child's own behalf and permits any person who is 18 years of age or older to file a petition for a protection order on behalf of a child, upon the child's request.
• Requires a petition for a protection order against a respondent who is a minor to be filed in the juvenile division of the court of common pleas in the county in which the person to be protected resides.
• Creates an additional ground upon which a protection order may be sought to protect a child.
• Defines "dating relationship."
• Broadens the definition of the "immediate and present danger" needed for menacing by stalking protection order under existing law.
• Expands the jurisdiction of the juvenile court to hear, determine, and enforce matters involving protection orders against a child.
• Includes a foster parent in the definition of "family or household member" in the criminal and civil domestic violence laws.

Introduced by: Representative Edna Brown (D), District 48
Co-Sponsors: Szollosi, Williams, B., Letson, Harwood, Stewart, Chandler, Gardner, Boyd, Garrison, Otterman, Stebelton, Harris, Newcomb, Williams, S., Foley, Slesnick, Fende, Pillich

This legislation would allow juvenile or family court judges to issue restraining orders against abusive youths who are involved in a “dating relationship.” In order for a civil protection order to be filed, the child’s dating partner must have alleged to commit certain offenses. This bill was passed by the House unanimously in the 127^th General Assembly but did not pass in the Senate.

Date introduced: 2/17/09
Committee Assigned: Civil & Commercial Law, Chair: Mark D. Okey (D)