COLUMBUS (OH)
The Beacon Journal
Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Gov. Bob Taft on Tuesday signed into law a bill that adds the state's clergy to professions required to report suspected sexual abuse.
The law also extends the time for victims of abuse by clergy to file lawsuits, although supporters were disappointed that lawmakers removed a provision that would have opened a one-year window for past victims to sue.
The measure, sponsored by Sen. Robert Spada, a Cleveland-area Republican, will require identified sex offenders to submit their names, addresses and photos to a state-run civil online abuser registry. It also increases penalties for church employees who fail to report known abusers.