Ohio House Bill 102: Strengthening Protections for Victims

The Fostoria Free Press | Published: November 20, 2025

Current Status: Introduced in the 136th General Assembly; pending in committee (PASSED by house as of November 20, 2025).

House Bill 102 seeks to close a perceived loophole in Ohio law regarding sex offender restrictions specific to their victims.

Key Provisions:

• Bars registered sex offenders from residing within 2,000 feet of a victim’s home.
• Prohibits offenders from loitering within 1,000 feet of a victim’s residence.
• These restrictions apply on a case-by-case basis to the specific victim, supplementing general registry rules (e.g., distance from schools).

Advocates argue it enhances victim safety and prevents retraumatization. The bill remains under review.