Criminal Justice

signed · Ohio · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 268: Regards filing for certificate of qualification for employment

HB 268 amends Ohio Revised Code Section 2953.25 to change the timing for filing a petition for a certificate of qualification for employment. This bill directly affects individuals seeking this certificate, which is required for certain professional roles. The official abstract states the amendment modifies "when a person may file" the petition but does not specify the exact change in filing timing or new requirements. Without additional details on the specific modification (e.g., extending or restricting the filing window), the key mechanisms cannot be described. The summary is limited to the abstract's stated purpose as no further specifics are provided.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill amends the process for a certificate of qualification for employment (CQE), a mechanism designed to aid rehabilitation and re-entry for individuals with criminal records, aligning with criminal justice reform.75% confidence

in committee · Ohio · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 98: Prohibit firearm possession - certain domestic violence offenses

To amend sections 2923.13 and 2923.14 of the Revised Code to prohibit a person who is charged with or has been convicted of first degree misdemeanor domestic violence from possessing a firearm or dangerous ordnance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill strengthens criminal justice by prohibiting firearm possession for individuals charged or convicted of domestic violence, enhancing public safety and crime prevention.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

Track

passed · Ohio · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 565: Enact the Grand Jury Privacy and Protection Act

To amend section 149.43 of the Revised Code to exempt from disclosure under Public Records Law, the name and address of a grand juror and the signature of a grand-jury foreperson, and to name this act the Grand Jury Privacy and Protection Act.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill protects the privacy of grand jurors, which strengthens the integrity and functioning of the grand jury system, a key component of the criminal justice system.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyThe bill protects personal data (grand juror names, addresses, signatures) from public disclosure, aligning with the 'data privacy' aspect of the Technology topic.75% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

Track

signed · Ohio · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 44: Regards law enforcement training and competitive examinations

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill addresses law enforcement training schools for prospective officers, which strengthens the preparedness and quality of personnel within the criminal justice system.80% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill amends employment standards by allowing vacant police positions to be filled without competitive examination, potentially weakening merit-based hiring processes.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · Ohio · Senate Oct 1, 2025

SB 242: Regards the sale of used catalytic converters

To amend sections 2913.02, 2913.51, 4737.04, 4737.045, 4737.99, 4738.03, 4738.07, 4738.12, and 4775.09 and to enact sections 4737.046 and 4737.98 of the Revised Code regarding the sale of used catalytic converters, and to make an appropriation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill explicitly states it will 'make an appropriation,' directly involving government spending and fiscal management under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill amends crime-related sections and regulates the sale of used catalytic converters, strengthening law enforcement's ability to combat theft and illicit trade.88% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRegulating the sale of used catalytic converters helps combat theft, preventing vehicles from operating without these essential emissions control devices and thus reducing air pollution.80% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationThe bill regulates the sale of used catalytic converters, which are essential motor vehicle components. This aims to protect vehicle owners and the integrity of the transportation system by addressing issues like theft and proper vehicle function.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations

Track

passed · Ohio · Senate May 13, 2026

SB 214: Remove firearm mufflers, suppressors as dangerous ordnance

To amend sections 1533.04, 2923.11, and 2923.17 of the Revised Code to remove firearm mufflers and suppressors from the classification of dangerous ordnance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill reclassifies firearm accessories, removing them from 'dangerous ordnance,' which narrows the scope of criminalization for these items within the justice system.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

Track

in committee · Ohio · House Jun 18, 2025

HB 348: Regards duty to carry a concealed handgun license, notify police

To amend sections 109.69, 109.731, 311.41, 311.42, 311.43, 1547.69, 2921.13, 2923.11, 2923.12, 2923.121, 2923.122, 2923.123, 2923.124, 2923.125, 2923.126, 2923.127, 2923.128, 2923.129, 2923.1210, 2923.1211, 2923.1213, 2923.16, 2953.35, and 5502.411 and to repeal section 2923.111 of the Revised Code to repeal the changes made by S.B. 215 of the 134th General Assembly to the laws regarding a concealed handgun licensee's duty to carry the license and notify law enforcement if the licensee is carrying a concealed handgun and to rename concealed handgun licenses as basic competency licenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill repeals prior changes, reinstating a concealed handgun licensee's duty to notify law enforcement, thereby strengthening law enforcement operations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Policing

Track

in committee · Ohio · House Nov 5, 2025

HB 570: Allow income tax refund garnishment for certain court costs, fees

To amend section 5747.12 and to enact section 5747.124 of the Revised Code to allow garnishment of income tax refunds to pay certain delinquent court costs and fees.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill allows garnishment of income tax refunds to collect delinquent court costs and fees, strengthening fiscal management by recovering owed funds.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill strengthens the financial enforcement capabilities of the courts, a key component of the criminal justice system, by allowing garnishment for delinquent costs and fees.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Courts

Track

passed · Ohio · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 58: Create recovery housing residences certificate of need program

To amend section 5119.393 and to enact sections 5119.398, 5119.399, 5119.3910, 5119.3911, 5119.3912, 5119.3913, 5119.3914, and 5119.3915 of the Revised Code to create a certificate of need program for recovery housing residences.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeHB 58 creates a program for recovery housing, which supports rehabilitation for individuals with substance abuse issues, potentially reducing recidivism and advancing criminal justice reform.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill HB 58 creates a certificate of need program for recovery housing residences, a type of health service for substance abuse and addiction. This aims to regulate and strengthen this specific area of healthcare.80% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingThe bill creates a certificate of need program for recovery housing residences, which are a specific type of housing, thereby supporting their provision and regulation.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

Track

signed · Ohio · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 273: Enact the Keep Them Safe Act

SB 273, titled "Enact the Keep Them Safe Act," creates new guidelines for the voluntary storage of firearms and provides civil immunity to individuals who store firearms for others under these guidelines. It directly affects gun owners, family members, or others who voluntarily store firearms for safekeeping, such as when leaving guns with relatives or neighbors. The key provision grants legal protection (civil immunity) to those who store firearms in compliance with the new rules, shielding them from lawsuits if the firearms are later used improperly. This bill changes the legal landscape by encouraging safe storage practices through immunity, rather than imposing new restrictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSB 273 establishes new guidelines for firearm storage and grants civil immunity, providing legal protections that clarify liabilities within the broader justice system.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms