HB 533: Revise list of vehicles that can commit vehicular homicide - Ohio

As Passed by the Senate → As Enrolled · 5 edits · Jul 7, 2026

MODERATE

This bill amends Ohio's vehicular homicide and assault laws to include a broader list of vehicles, such as snowmobiles, locomotives, and aircraft, in the definition of vehicles that can be used to commit these crimes. It also introduces new sentencing enhancements based on the number of prior OVI or traffic-related homicide convictions and adds specific provisions for offenses committed in construction zones.

Scope change

The scope of the bill was expanded to include non-road vehicles like snowmobiles, locomotives, and aircraft in the definition of vehicles subject to vehicular homicide and assault charges, and it added specific rules for construction zone violations.

SCOPE

Expanded the definition of vehicles subject to vehicular homicide and assault charges to include snowmobiles, locomotives, watercraft, and aircraft, in addition to standard road vehicles.

ENFORCEMENT

Added new sentencing tiers that impose harsher penalties (felony of the first degree) for vehicular homicide if the offender has one or more prior OVI convictions or traffic-related homicide convictions within the last twenty years.

Updated the classification of vehicular homicide and assault offenses, creating new felony degrees and mandatory prison terms based on the offender's prior criminal history.

REQUIREMENT

Introduced specific provisions stating that construction zone reckless operation and speeding offenses only apply if the victim was physically present in the construction zone at the time of the offense.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for terms such as 'construction zone,' 'reckless operation offense,' 'speeding offense,' and 'traffic-related homicide, manslaughter, or assault offense' to clarify how the new laws apply.

As Passed by the House → As Passed by the Senate · 4 edits · Jun 10, 2026

MODERATE

This bill significantly expands Ohio's vehicular homicide and assault laws by adding construction zones as a specific location where reckless or speeding driving can lead to criminal charges. It introduces new sentencing tiers based on the number of prior offenses and adds mandatory prison terms for repeat offenders, while also clarifying definitions for various vehicle types and offenses.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to explicitly include construction zones as a trigger for aggravated vehicular homicide or assault charges when a driver commits recklessness or speeding offenses within those zones, provided specific signage is present.

SCOPE

Added construction zones as a specific location where reckless operation or speeding offenses can result in vehicular homicide or assault charges.

ENFORCEMENT

Introduced new mandatory prison terms and enhanced sentencing guidelines for offenders with prior OVI, homicide, or assault convictions.

DEFINITION

Added specific definitions for 'construction zone,' 'reckless operation offense,' and 'speeding offense' to clarify when the new construction zone provisions apply.

REQUIREMENT

Established a requirement that specific warning signs must be erected in a construction zone for the aggravated construction zone provisions to apply.

As Introduced → As Passed by the House · 5 edits · Mar 18, 2026

MODERATE

This bill expands Ohio's vehicular homicide and assault laws by adding specific vehicles like snowmobiles, locomotives, and watercraft to the list of vehicles that can be used to commit these crimes. It also introduces new, stricter penalties for offenses occurring in construction zones when the victim is present, and significantly increases prison terms and license suspensions based on the offender's prior criminal history, particularly for repeat OVI or traffic-related violence offenders.

Scope change

The scope of the bill was expanded to include non-road vehicles such as snowmobiles, locomotives, and watercraft in the definition of vehicles that can be used to commit vehicular homicide or assault. Additionally, the bill now specifically addresses crimes committed within construction zones.

SCOPE

Added snowmobiles, locomotives, and watercraft to the list of vehicles that can be used to commit vehicular homicide or assault.

REQUIREMENT

Created new provisions for vehicular homicide and assault committed in construction zones, applying only if the victim was present in the zone at the time of the offense.

Mandated that construction zone penalties only apply if specific warning signs are erected in accordance with state guidelines.

ENFORCEMENT

Increased mandatory prison terms and license suspensions based on the number of prior OVI or traffic-related homicide/manslaughter convictions.

DEFINITION

Added specific definitions for 'construction zone', 'reckless operation offense', and 'speeding offense' to clarify how the new construction zone penalties apply.

Revise list of vehicles that can commit vehicular homicide

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