HB 338, "Andy's Law," increases criminal penalties for assaults or causing death of staff or inmates at Ohio state or local correctional facilities. It amends specific Ohio Revised Code sections to impose stricter sentencing for these offenses and updates policies and procedures for the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The law directly affects correctional facility staff, inmates, and the state's criminal justice system by changing how such incidents are prosecuted and managed. These changes focus on enhancing accountability for violence within correctional settings.
HB 519 amends Ohio law to make it a crime to possess an electronic device (like a key fob or hacking tool) when circumstances suggest the intent to steal a motor vehicle. It directly affects individuals who attempt to steal vehicles using electronic means, such as bypassing security systems. The key provision prohibits holding such devices in situations where the intent to commit vehicle theft is evident, rather than requiring actual theft to occur. This change clarifies and strengthens existing statutes to address electronic vehicle theft methods.
To amend sections 124.11 and 124.30 and to enact section 737.061 of the Revised Code regarding training schools for prospective law enforcement officers and filling a vacant police department position without a competitive examination.
HB 144 expands Ohio's communication disability database to include all individuals with disabilities, not just those with specific communication needs. It requires county 9-1-1 systems to access this database during emergency calls, ensuring first responders can quickly identify communication support needs. The law, named "Keith's Law," directly affects people with disabilities during emergencies and 9-1-1 dispatchers who will use the database to provide appropriate assistance.
To enact section 5534.971 of the Revised Code to designate a portion of Interstate 275 in Hamilton County as the "Deputy Larry Henderson Memorial Highway."
To enact section 5534.451 of the Revised Code to designate a portion of State Route 13 in Knox County as the "Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Vance M. Andrews Memorial Highway."
To amend sections 2903.06, 2903.08, 4508.02, and 4511.213 and to enact section 5501.28 of the Revised Code to increase penalties for failing to slow down or change lanes when approaching specified stationary vehicles, to increase penalties for vehicular homicide and vehicular assault resulting from that offense, and to name this act Philip Wigal's Law.
To amend section 4507.09 of the Revised Code to require the Registrar of Motor Vehicles send a notice prior to a driver's license expiring, rather than after expiration.
HR 227 urges the U.S. Department of Justice to prioritize connecting the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database - which tracks crime records - and the NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) database. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws but calls on the DOJ to accelerate efforts to integrate these systems. The goal is to help law enforcement more quickly match missing persons reports with unidentified remains stored in NamUs. It directly affects law enforcement agencies and families of missing persons by improving access to critical case information.
To amend sections 340.011, 340.03, 340.032, 340.036, 340.041, 340.05, 340.08, 5119.22, 5119.221, 5119.25, and 5119.99 and to enact section 340.038 of the Revised Code to modify various laws regarding boards of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services and to impose penalties for not registering recovery housing residences.
