Reps. Brewer, Williams Introduce Bipartisan Kei'Mani's Law

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Darnell T. Brewer (D-Cleveland) today, alongside State Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.), introduced legislation aimed at protecting Ohio’s children. Kei’Mani’s Law is named after 13-year-old Kei’Mani Latigue and is designed to strengthen child protection services.

“This legislation is about ensuring Ohio’s children are not lost in the system designed to protect them. Kei’Mani’s Law provides guardrails to the child protection process, making sure that wellbeing of our children is promoted and their safety is prioritized,” said Rep. Brewer. 

This bill requires each public school in Ohio to appoint a Child Protection Liaison, responsible for managing cases of child abuse or neglect involving students. Schools are often the first-place signs of abuse are noticed. This bill creates a clear point of contact, someone who is accountable for communication, coordination, and follow-through. Child protection liaisons will receive comprehensive training on Ohio’s child protection process, ensuring consistency and competency. 

Kei’Mani’s Law also strengthens the Uniform Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS), making sure that information is entered promptly and updated often. Access to SACWIS will be expanded to not only child protection liaisons, but to juvenile courts and law enforcement agencies, while maintaining strict compliance with state and federal privacy laws. While knowledge sharing is a crucial aspect of this legislation, it is also important that those trusted with this information are trained and held to the highest standards. The Department of Children and Youth will provide mandatory training to all individuals and entities who access SACWIS.

Kei’Mani’s mother, Tiara Kasten, has also advocated for this legislation. 

“The hurt of losing my daughter, the person who saved my life before her life ever began, will never truly cease. But today, I am using my pain to propel us forward as a society,” said Ms. Kasten. 

Kei’Mani’s Law now awaits a bill number and committee assignment.