David Mahan Testifies: Every child deserves truth in the classroom and decency in public
This week, CCV’s Policy Executive Director David Mahan testified in support of two important Ohio bills aimed at protecting children. He was among a select group invited by legislators to speak on the Baby Olivia Act, which ensures students learn about human development from conception. David also provided proponent testimony on the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act, which strengthens public indecency laws to safeguard minors.
House Bill 485 – The Baby Olivia Act
Sponsor: Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland)
Status: In House Committee
House Bill 485 (HB485), known as the Baby Olivia Act, would require all Ohio public schools to teach human growth and development in grades 3–12, including showing a high-definition ultrasound video of early fetal development and the Meet Baby Olivia video that depicts each stage of a baby's uterine development from fertilization to birth.
The purpose of HB485 is to ensure students understand the biological development of a human life from conception, providing an age-appropriate foundation for discussions about life and reproductive health.
House Bill 249 – The Indecent Exposure Modernization Act
Sponsors: Rep. Angie King (R-Celina) and Rep. Josh Williams (R-Toledo)
Status: In House Committee
House Bill 249 (HB249), known as the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act, strengthens Ohio's public indecency laws. The bill closes a loophole that previously allowed a naked man identifying as a woman to expose himself to young girls in a women's locker room at an Ohio YMCA without legal consequences because the judge ruled his stomach-covered genitalia didn't count as indecent exposure.
The Indecent Exposure Modernization Act updates the law in several key ways:
Criminalizes exposure and obscene acts in public where others—especially children—can see them, with stricter penalties for repeat offenders.
Clarifies public indecency statutes by replacing the undefined term “private parts” with the defined “private area,” which includes the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, and female breast below the top of the areola. This ensures the consistent application of the law, rather than leaving judges to interpret the term to achieve the outcome they wish to issue.
Strengthens protections in adult entertainment venues, ensuring children are barred from sexualized performances that could harm them.
These updates protect children from sexual exploitation and exposure, while modernizing Ohio’s laws to reflect current public safety and child protection standards.
All bills must pass through both Chambers of the Ohio Statehouse to be sent to the governor for his approval to become law. Stay informed on legislation that impacts families and faith in Ohio by subscribing to CCV’s email list.
For more information, contact CCV at 513-733-5775 or contact@ccv.org. For media inquiries, email media@ccv.org.
As Ohio's largest Christian public policy organization, Center for Christian Virtue seeks the good of our neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel.
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