Make elected officials mandatory child abuse, neglect reporters

HB 371 amends Ohio law to require elected officials - including mayors, city council members, county commissioners, and state legislators - to report suspected child abuse or neglect, just like teachers and healthcare workers. This change directly affects all current and future elected officials in Ohio who may encounter situations involving child welfare. The bill updates existing mandatory reporter provisions to include these public officeholders, requiring them to immediately notify child protective services upon reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect. This policy change expands the group of individuals legally obligated to report such concerns under Ohio Revised Code Section 2151.421.