State Representatives Phil Plummer and Tom Young hosted a press conference on Apr. 29 to discuss House Bill 635, known as the ‘Enact the Child Protection Reform Act.’ The proposed legislation aims to strengthen child protection laws by increasing oversight, improving information sharing, and clarifying agency responsibilities.
The bill seeks to address issues in Ohio’s child welfare system by tightening reporting requirements and reducing gaps between law enforcement and children services. It also calls for more frequent in-person visits for children in residential care and enhanced accountability when abuse occurs or warning signs are missed.
“This is not symbolic legislation,” said Plummer. “It is thoughtful, structural reform aimed at preventing missed warning signs and delays in intervention. When the state becomes involved in a child’s life, we have a responsibility to respond carefully, appropriately, and with the child’s safety at the center.”
Young said that House Bill 635 focuses on ensuring that children are protected when early intervention fails. “House Bill 635 addresses one core responsibility: protecting children when the system fails to act early, clearly, and consistently,” Young said. “This legislation strengthens accountability in child protection investigations, clarifies agency responsibilities, and ensures serious cases involving abuse or violence against children are handled with urgency.”
The bill includes provisions for improved cross-county coordination by requiring critical information about each child to follow them through different agencies so that jurisdictional gaps do not result in missed interventions. It also mandates that domestic violence records be reviewed during abuse investigations so patterns of harm can be identified.
Young has held leadership roles as chair of the House Workforce and Higher Education Committee according to the official website. He has also served on several committees including Finance; Financial Institutions; Public Insurance; and Pensions as noted on his official profile.
Born in Dayton, raised in Miamisburg, and having lived over seventeen years in Washington Township according to his biography, Young won elections for Ohio House Districts 37 (current) and previously District 42 per his official record.
House Bill 635 is currently awaiting its second hearing before the House Children and Human Services Committee.
