Criminal Justice

in committee · Ohio · Senate Nov 19, 2025

SB 303: Allow 18-21 year olds to purchase a handgun from a federal dealer

To amend sections 2151.022, 2152.02, 2152.16, 2923.21, 2923.211, and 2930.01 of the Revised Code to allow a person who is between eighteen and twenty-one years old to receive or purchase a handgun from a federally licensed firearms dealer.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill expands the right for 18-21 year olds to purchase handguns, which can be interpreted as protecting civil rights within the criminal justice framework.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · Ohio · House Nov 19, 2025

HB 588: Apply employment portions of Civil Rights Law to unpaid interns

HB 588 would apply Ohio's Civil Rights Law anti-discrimination protections to unpaid interns by amending two sections of the Revised Code. Currently, these protections do not cover unpaid interns, but the bill would extend them to include unpaid interns under the same employment anti-discrimination rules as paid employees. This change directly affects unpaid interns and their employers across Ohio, requiring equal treatment in hiring, assignments, and workplace conditions. The key mechanism is the explicit amendment of state law to include unpaid interns within the scope of the Civil Rights Law's employment provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeHB 588 extends civil rights anti-discrimination protections to unpaid interns, aligning with the protection of civil rights under the Criminal Justice topic.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentHB 588 extends anti-discrimination protections to unpaid interns, directly protecting workers' rights and employment standards for this group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Employment Discrimination

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signed · Ohio · House Mar 2, 2026

HB 23: Create the escaped convict alert program

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes state training and certification requirements for private entity security officers designated as police, strengthening law enforcement standards.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

in committee · Ohio · Senate Mar 19, 2025

SB 139: Designate Judge Nathaniel R. Jones Day

SB 139 designates May 13 as "Judge Nathaniel R. Jones Day" in Ohio. The bill creates a ceremonial observance to honor Judge Nathaniel R. Jones, a civil rights attorney, judge, and law professor born on that date in Youngstown, Ohio. It does not create new legal requirements or affect any individuals or policies. The bill is purely commemorative, recognizing Jones' contributions to civil rights. The designation would be added to Ohio's Revised Code as section 5.295.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill commemorates Judge Nathaniel R. Jones, a civil rights attorney and judge, recognizing his contributions to civil rights, which aligns with protecting civil rights.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Judges

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in committee · Ohio · House Jun 18, 2025

HB 354: Enact the Keeping Our Survivors Safe Act

To amend sections 2923.13 and 2923.14 of the Revised Code to enact the Keeping Our Survivors Safe Act to prohibit a person who has been convicted of first degree misdemeanor domestic violence from possessing a firearm or dangerous ordnance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill prohibits firearm possession for persons convicted of domestic violence, strengthening public safety and victim protection within the criminal justice system.88% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Firearms

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in committee · Ohio · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 82: Specify election official status for public records law purposes

To amend section 149.43 of the Revised Code to specify that certain election officials are designated public service workers for purposes of the public records law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill designates election officials as public service workers for public records law, which can protect them from harassment/threats, indirectly supporting law enforcement and crime prevention related to public service.65% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentThe bill designates election officials as 'public service workers' for public records law, providing a specific protection related to their employment status and privacy.80% confidence

Tags Elections Government Transparency

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passed · Ohio · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 202: Enact the Chief Steven DiSario Act

To amend sections 4781.40, 5301.072, 5311.191, and 5321.131 of the Revised Code to prohibit manufactured home park operators, condominium associations, neighborhood associations, and landlords from restricting the display of the thin blue line flag and to name this act the Chief Steven DiSario Act.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSB 202 protects the display of the thin blue line flag, a direct symbol of support for law enforcement, a core component of criminal justice.80% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingThe bill protects a specific right for tenants/residents by prohibiting landlords and associations from restricting flag displays, aligning with tenant/property rights.80% confidence

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passed · Ohio · House Nov 18, 2025

HB 471: Designate Deputy Larry Henderson Memorial Highway

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."

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill designates a memorial highway for a Deputy, honoring a member of law enforcement, a core component of the criminal justice system.65% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationThe bill directly designates a portion of Interstate 275, a major highway, which is a core component of transportation infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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in committee · Ohio · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 609: Require public body to allow public comment before taking action

HB 609 requires public bodies (like city councils, school boards, and county commissions) to allow public comment before taking formal action on any agenda item. The bill amends Ohio's Revised Code to mandate that these bodies set aside specific time during meetings for citizens to speak about topics under consideration. This change directly affects how local government meetings are conducted, ensuring community input is heard before decisions are made. The key provision is a procedural requirement for public bodies to incorporate public testimony into their meeting process prior to voting.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates public comment at local government meetings, providing a mechanism for citizen input on criminal justice issues and enhancing accountability.60% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationHB 609 requires public comment at school board meetings, allowing citizens to advocate for or protect educational interests before decisions are made, thereby strengthening public input in education.65% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentHB 609 strengthens public participation by requiring comment before action, providing a key mechanism for citizens to advocate for environmental protection at local government meetings.75% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

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in committee · Ohio · House Sep 15, 2025

HB 412: Allow village to contract with county prosecutor

HB 412 allows Ohio villages to contract directly with their county prosecutor for legal services instead of maintaining their own legal staff. This directly affects villages seeking cost-effective legal representation and county prosecutors offering those services. The bill amends Revised Code sections 309.09 and 733.48 to establish a formal process for these contracts. The change provides villages with a practical option to access legal expertise through existing county resources.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill allows villages to seek 'cost-effective legal representation,' promoting fiscal responsibility and potentially reducing local government spending.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeHB 412 enhances access to legal expertise for villages by allowing contracts with county prosecutors, strengthening a core component of the criminal justice system.75% confidence

Tags Local Government

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