Representative Lorenz, sponsor of House Bill 323, told the House Judiciary Committee that the bill would require employers to report suspected sexual assault involving minor employees to appropriate authorities, similar to other mandated reporters under Ohio law.

"House bill 323 would require employers in Ohio to report suspected [sexual] assault involving minor employees to the appropriate authorities," Representative Lorenz said. "Specifically, it amends sections of the revised code to ensure that when an employer has a reasonable cause to suspect that a minor in their employment has been [sexually] assaulted, they are legally obligated to report it just as teachers, doctors, and other mandated reporters already are under Ohio law."

Lorenz emphasized that the bill is not intended to impose undue burdens on responsible employers but to make clear that adults in positions of authority in the workplace must act on reasonable suspicions. "This bill is not about adding red tape... It's about ensuring that adults in position of authority, including those in the workplace, take action when something is clearly wrong," Lorenz said.

During questioning, Representative Williams asked whether the sponsor would consider expanding mandatory‑reporter duties beyond employers to "anyone that has knowledge or reasonable belief that a child has been [sexually] assaulted, abused, neglected," noting other states have broader language. Lorenz said she would be open to further dialogue and future amendments on that point.

The committee recorded this as a first hearing with sponsor testimony; no vote or amendment was taken at the hearing.