Reps. Cockley, Ritter Celebrate Passage of Bipartisan Resolution Advancing Missing Persons Database Connection

COLUMBUS — State Reps. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) and Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta) today celebrates the passage of House Resolution (HR) 277 from the House Floor.

“HR 227 urges the U.S. Department of Justice to fulfill its obligation and expedite this connection,” said Rep. Cockley. “Time is of the essence when it comes to missing persons cases, and this resolution is a crucial step in ensuring law enforcement can access vital information quickly to bring people home faster.”

HR 227 urges the U.S. Department of Justice to expedite the integration of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)—a mandate established by federal legislation known as Billy’s Law, passed in 2022 but not yet implemented.

“I want to thank Representative Cockley who has been a champion, not just for the resolution, but for our related legislation,” said Rep. Ritter. “It has truly been my pleasure to work with her.”

HR 227 has now been adopted by the 136th General Assembly.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Cockley from today’s session is attached to this release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.