A new bill is being re-introduced in Ohio that would require law enforcement agencies to notify the public when an inmate escapes custody.
House Representative Bill Roemer R took action after 19 Investigates uncovered incidents where the Summit County Sheriff’s Office SCSO failed to issue such alerts.
The bill, named The Escaped Convict Alert Program TECAP, aims to ensure notifications are made whenever a felon escapes custody, including scenarios like escapes during medical appointments or while temporarily released for a funeral.
Roemer’s initial attempt to pass the bill last year ended before its approval, but he plans to reintroduce it in the current legislative session.
He emphasized the importance of public safety, calling it common-sense legislation that holds law enforcement accountable.
The bill may also include penalties for agencies that fail to comply with the notification requirements. Co-sponsored by Rep. Josh Williams R of Toledo, the bill will be submitted to the General Assembly for consideration and, if approved by both the House and Senate, sent to the governor’s office for final approval.