Criminal Justice

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 amend sections 109.57, 109.572, 109.578, 109.579, 2151.357, 2901.08, 2923.125, 2923.13, 2923.14, 2929.01, 2929.13, 2929.14, 2941.141, 2941.144, 2941.145, 2941.146, 2953.25, 2953.26, 2953.32, 2953.34, 2953.61, 4723.28, 4729.16, 4729.56, 4729.57, 4729.96, and 4752.09 and to enact sections 2941.1427, 2941.1428, and 2953.321 of the Revised Code to enact the Repeat Offender Act to create a repeat offender classification, to create and modify certain firearm specifications, to increase the penalties for certain firearm offenses and specifications, to broaden the scope of relief from firearms disability, and to modify the sealing procedure for misdemeanors and fourth and fifth degree felonies.