State Rep. Jena Powell | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Jena Powell | The Ohio House of Representatives
The House Criminal Justice Committee continued hearings on House Bill 245 this week, aimed at updating Ohio’s obscenity laws to protect children and families from sexualized cabaret performances in public spaces. State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum), a cosponsor of the bill, made the announcement. The legislation received significant proponent testimony from 53 individuals, both in person and by written statement.
“This week, the Criminal Justice Committee was able to hear first-hand why this legislation is needed to protect children,” said Powell. “Public spaces are meant to be enjoyed by all, not as places where you risk your kids being exposed to explicit performances that are inappropriate for minors.”
House Bill 245 seeks to create the offense of unlawful adult cabaret performance and restrict such performances to adult cabarets only. The bill also proposes penalties for violations, ranging from a misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony depending on the circumstances.
Hearings on House Bill 245 will continue in the House Criminal Justice Committee.
Alerts Sign-up