(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today applauded the signing of two key legislative initiatives. Governor Kasich signed SB 223 and SB 258 at Statehouse ceremony this morning.
SB 223: Cyber Fraud
Senate Bill 223 was sponsored by State Senator Kevin Bacon (R-Minerva Park). SB 223 will give the Attorney General the authority to subpoena the phone records, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, and payment information in suspected cyber fraud cases and prepare them for prosecution by a county or special prosecutor. The legislation will enable the Attorney General's Office to better assist local law enforcement with any investigation.
"The biggest trend in the expansion of cyber fraud has been the use of the Internet to commit criminal scams. Senate Bill 223 will allow the Attorney General's Office to quickly request information that will protect victims and help prosecutors put the scammers behind bars," said Attorney General DeWine.
Companion legislation in the Ohio House of Representatives was sponsored by State Representative Ross McGregor (R-Springfield).
SB 223 passed the Ohio Senate 32-0 and the Ohio House 87-0. The law will become effective in 90 days on June 7, 2012.
SB 258: Blue Alert
Senate Bill 258 was sponsored by State Senator Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and by State Senator Tom Patton (R-Strongsville), whose son was a Cleveland Heights Police Officer who died in the line of duty in 2010. SB 258 will establish a statewide Blue Alert system. The Blue Alert will assist law enforcement in the capture of an individual who has either seriously harmed or killed a law enforcement officer. Much like Amber Alerts and Silver Alerts, Blue Alerts utilize broadcast alert systems to relay information about the suspect to the public in a timely manner.
"We hope that Ohio will never have to use a Blue Alert, but should that day come, this system will help reduce the time a suspect who has killed or wounded a law enforcement officer may be at large. This law is vital for the safety of law enforcement and the protection of Ohio residents," said Attorney General DeWine.
SB 258 passed the Ohio Senate 32-0 and the Ohio House 84-0. The law will become effective in 90 days on June 7, 2012.
Thirteen other states have adopted Blue Alert systems, including Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
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