Ohio House Approves Human Trafficking Legislation

Columbus (AP) - Ohio lawmakers have approved a measure that increases penalties for human trafficking offenders and adds protections for victims.

The Ohio House unanimously endorsed the legislation Wednesday. 

The bill says minors or developmentally disabled people should be considered victims of human trafficking if they're recruited or held captive to engage in sexual activities.

House Speaker William Batchelder says that legislation gives authorities the tools they need to crack down on traffickers.

Among several other provisions, it requires offenders convicted of solicitation to register as sex offenders if the people they tried to lure are under 18 years old.

The crime of soliciting a minor who is younger than 18 or is developmentally disabled would increase from a misdemeanor to a felony offense.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

6/27/13; THE COURIER, Findlay, Ohio

GOLFING FOR A CAUSE

NWO Health Partners and Hitchings Insurance Agency present the 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing.  The event will be held on Friday, July 19, 2013 at Sycamore Springs golf course, 11492 T.R. 25, Arlington.  Proceeds from the event will benefit Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services.

Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m.  The event includes 18 holes with cart, a scramble format, beverages, snacks and contests.  An awards ceremony and lunch will take place following golf. 

For information on forming a team or sponsoring the event, contact Andy Noel at 419-427-3105 or anoel@nwoortho.com.