Governor signs bill that makes grooming illegal

(ONN) – Ohio’s governor signed a bill making grooming illegal.

Grooming is defined as the act of an adult forging a relationship with a minor to attract or prepare him or her for sexual activity.

Governor DeWine signed House Bill 322 in law making it illegal.

The new law allows authorities to intervene in reported incidents before relationships become physical.

Adults over 18 years of age are prohibited from following the pattern of conduct with minors under 16 years of age.

Penalties range from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the nature of the relationship between the adult and the minor.