Child Enticement Law Ruled Too Broad; Lawmakers Scramble - WCMH: News, Weather, and Sports for Columbus, Ohio

Child Enticement Law Ruled Too Broad; Lawmakers Scramble

Two weeks ago, the 9th circuit court of appeals ruled that Ohio's child enticement law was unconstitutional.

In an instant, black and white law turned all shades of gray.

"We felt compelled this was an issue to get straight, something that would hold up to court challenges," Sen. Bill Beagle said.

The led to the creation of Senate Bill 64. Newly worded, it would narrow the scope of the enticement law.

"We all got together and tried to put our heads together to come up with a solution to protect children," Sen. Larry Obhoff said.

The bill focuses language aimed at criminal intent, not someone looking to help with a ride for a child.

That was the higher courts concern, the language was too broad, and the law ruled unconstitutional.

Police agencies like Columbus police sent out memos division-wide, alerting to the changes and urging officers to do even more field work to aid prosecutors in the courtroom.

The Ohio Supreme Court is also involved in the issue, and Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien told NBC4 that his office will continue to push forward with child enticement charges where there is criminal intent shown.