[Ohio-Talk] Please Read, Exciting News Regarding Ohio Legislation Parental Rights

[Eric Duffy]

See the below from the two sponsors of our Parental Rights legislation. We are getting good support so far, and we should have a bill number next week. We will have much work to do in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.





State Representative Erica C. Crawley
26th House District
 
State Representative Sharon Ray
69th House District
 
MEMORANDUM
 
To:                  All House Members
From:             Representative Erica C. Crawley and Representative Sharon Ray
Date:               June 7th, 2021
RE:                 Co-Sponsor Request:  Protecting Parental Rights for People with Disabilities
 
 

I will soon be reintroducing legislation from the 132nd and 133rd General Assembly which will prohibit a person's disability from being used to deny or limit custody, parenting time, visitation, adoption, or service as a guardian or foster caregiver, regarding a minor. This legislation passed out of the House in the 133rd General Assembly with a unanimous vote on the House floor.

This bill will do the following with respect to the best interests of the minor:

·         Prohibit an individual’s disability as a basis for denial of visitation or custody, participation in public or private adoption, and his or her participation in foster care or guardianship. 
·         Ensure allegations against the parent with a disability contain clear and convincing evidence as to how the behavior connected to their disability endangers the health, safety, or welfare of the child. 
·         The parent with a disability or prospective parent shall have the opportunity to demonstrate how the implementation of supportive parenting services can alleviate any concerns raised.

The bill will address the existing misconceived notions and biases against the ability of a person with a disability to be a successful parent. As a legislative body we must implement policy that provides safeguards in the best interests of children while also adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the civil rights of all people. With this legislation, we ensure that families come from first. 

If you would like to co-sponsor this legislation, or if you have any questions, please contact Aleah Holley at aleah.holley at ohiohouse.gov <mailto:aleah.holley at ohiohouse.gov> or James Lee at James.Lee at ohiohouse.gov <mailto:James.Lee at ohiohouse.gov> by 5:00 pm on June 14th , 2021.

Thank you for your consideration.

                       

 
Erica C. Crawley, JD, MPA                           Sharon Ray    
State Representative                                       State Representative              
26th Ohio House District                                 69th Ohio House District