SB 321 creates new rules in Ohio law allowing certain special police officers to carry firearms while on duty. It directly affects special police officers employed by entities like universities, hospitals, or private security firms. The bill establishes specific requirements for these officers to carry firearms, including training and certification standards. These provisions are codified in new sections of the Revised Code (5119.081 and 5123.131), replacing previous, less specific guidelines. The law aims to clarify and standardize firearm carrying authority for this specific group of law enforcement personnel.
To enact sections 341.261, 753.321, and 5120.631 of the Revised Code regarding inmates' access to feminine hygiene products and showers by municipal and county correctional facilities and state correctional institutions.
To amend sections 2927.12 and 4112.01 and to enact section 4112.20 of the Revised Code to define antisemitism for the purpose of investigations and proceedings by state agencies and to expand the offense of ethnic intimidation to include the offenses of riot and aggravated riot committed by reason of the race, color, religion, or national origin of another person or group of persons.
The bill title "Create the escaped convict alert program" is incorrect based on the provided text. This bill (HB 23) actually establishes a framework for appointing security officers at financial institutions and other entities, not an escaped convict alert system. It allows banks, credit unions, railroads, and hospitals to designate personnel as police officers for their premises, subject to Ohio peace officer training requirements and certification. These appointed officers must be Ohio residents of good character, complete approved training within six months, and serve three-year terms. The bill specifically defines "prior parent company" for banks and includes provisions for railroad companies and hospitals meeting certain criteria.
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 5534.451 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."
SB 229 creates a special "Law Enforcement Purple Heart" license plate in Ohio. This plate is available to residents who are law enforcement officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty, as recognized by the Purple Heart award. The bill establishes the plate through a new section of the Revised Code, allowing eligible officers to display it on their vehicles. It does not change existing benefits or funding but provides a visible symbol of recognition for affected officers.
SB 16 amends Ohio's Revised Code (section 4511.213) to require drivers to change lanes or proceed with caution when approaching a stationary vehicle in distress on a roadway. This law directly affects all drivers traveling on roads where vehicles may be stopped due to mechanical issues or other emergencies. The key provision prohibits drivers from failing to take these actions, aiming to improve safety for both the stranded vehicle occupants and other road users. The change updates existing traffic law without introducing new penalties, applying to all public roadways in Ohio.
To enact sections 5123.68, 5123.681, 5123.682, 5123.683, 5123.684, 5123.685, and 5123.686 of the Revised Code to establish supported decision-making as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship for adults with developmental disabilities.
