HB 217 Ohio House · 136th Legislature (2025-2026)

Enact the Finding and Identifying with NamUs Data (FIND) Act

Summary
To amend sections 2901.30, 2901.41, and 2901.42 of the Revised Code to enact the Finding and Identifying with NamUs Data (FIND) Act to require law enforcement agencies to enter information relating to a report of a missing person in the national missing and unidentified persons system (NamUs).
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Apr 1, 2025 Last action Apr 15, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

As Introduced As Passed by the House · 8 edits · Mar 25, 2026
MODERATE
The bill was expanded to include a new section creating a state database for missing persons and children, while adding numerous new cosponsors and renaming the legislation to 'Andy Chapman's Act.' The changes significantly broaden the scope by introducing specific criteria for 'high-risk' cases, mandating faster data entry into national systems for adults over 21, and establishing new protocols for cross-agency cooperation and dental record searches.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded from amending existing missing person statutes to also enacting a new section (109.5731) requiring the state to maintain digital records of missing persons and children. Additionally, the definition of who qualifies for expedited reporting was broadened to include adults over 21 under certain conditions.
DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'high-risk missing child' and 'high-risk missing person' based on factors like confirmed abduction, dangerous circumstances, or medical needs.

REQUIREMENT

Mandated that law enforcement enter missing person data into the national NamUs system if the person is not located within 30 days, applying to both children and adults.

Required law enforcement to retain all missing person reports in electronic format and submit them to the state bureau for a new digital database.

Established new procedures for obtaining dental records from dentists with consent to compare against unidentified deceased persons.

TIMELINE

Reduced the deadline for entering information about missing adults (21+) into national systems from 30 days to 7 days if foul play is suspected, or 48 hours if foul play is discovered later.

ENFORCEMENT

Created a rebuttable presumption that a 'high-risk' missing person is involved in criminal activity, allowing law enforcement to seek search warrants more easily.

FISCAL

Added provisions ensuring law enforcement employees assisting in missing person cases across county lines receive the same indemnity and benefits as if working within their home jurisdiction.

SCOPE

Expanded the list of cosponsors and renamed the bill to 'Andy Chapman's Act' to honor a specific individual.

Floor votes · House Mar 25, 2026

How they voted

950
Passed
Total votes 95
Mar 25, 2026
D Democratic31
31 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican64
64 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Apr 15, 2026
Committee
Referred to committee
upper
Mar 26, 2026
Introduced
Introduced
upper
Mar 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Committee
Referred to committee
lower
Apr 1, 2025
Introduced
Introduced
lower
2 primary · 17 co-sponsors

Sponsors