Criminal Justice

in committee · Ohio · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 177: Allow motion for new trial, other relief based on new evidence

To amend sections 181.25, 2929.06, 2945.79, 2945.80, 2945.81, 2953.21, and 2953.23 and to enact section 2945.811 of the Revised Code to allow a person to file a motion for a new trial or a petition for postconviction relief if the person produces new evidence that would establish a strong probability of a different result at trial.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill expands postconviction relief options based on new evidence, strengthening defendant rights and promoting fairness within the criminal justice system.95% confidence

Track

in committee · Ohio · Senate Feb 26, 2025

SB 123: Prohibit law enforcement from charging fees for certain videos

To amend section 149.43 of the Revised Code to prohibit a law enforcement agency for charging a fee for preparing or producing a video public record for a person known or presumed to be depicted in the video.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill prohibits law enforcement from charging fees for certain video public records, reducing a financial burden on individuals who are depicted.75% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits law enforcement from charging fees for video public records to depicted individuals, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights by improving access to crucial evidence.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyThe bill allows individuals free access to video public records depicting them, promoting digital rights and data privacy regarding government-held digital information.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

Track

in committee · Ohio · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 178: Form Missing Women-Black, Indigenous, People of Color task force

To enact section 2901.44 of the Revised Code to create the Task Force on Missing Women and Girls who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color and to make an appropriation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill explicitly states it will 'make an appropriation,' which involves government spending and fiscal management to fund a new task force.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates a task force to investigate missing BIPOC women/girls, aiming to improve law enforcement response and address systemic issues within the criminal justice system. This promotes criminal justice reform.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

Track

in committee · Ohio · House Feb 12, 2025

HCR 4: Condemn issuance of pardons and commutations for January 6, 2021

To condemn President Trump's issuance of pardons and commutations for individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the United States Capitol, including those who committed violent acts against law enforcement officers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill condemns pardons for individuals convicted of violent acts, particularly against law enforcement, which supports upholding accountability within the criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

Track

in committee · Ohio · House Feb 26, 2025

HB 120: Exempt from sales and use tax sales of firearm safety devices

HB 120 exempts the sale of firearm safety devices (such as trigger locks or gun safes) from Ohio's sales and use tax. This change directly affects consumers purchasing these devices and retailers selling them, removing the tax obligation on these specific products. The bill amends Ohio Revised Code sections 5739.01-5739.17 to create this tax exemption, making it a concrete policy change for firearm safety device transactions. The legislation does not alter tax treatment for other firearm-related items or general sales.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesHB 120 provides tax relief to consumers by exempting firearm safety devices from sales and use tax, aligning with the 'provides tax relief' indicator for support.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBy exempting firearm safety devices from sales tax, HB 120 promotes safer firearm storage, which can indirectly contribute to crime prevention, thus advancing a core goal of criminal justice.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax Tax Incentives Firearms

Track

in committee · Ohio · House Oct 22, 2025

HB 527: Allow felony defendants to request indictment by open grand jury

To amend sections 109.83, 109.84, 109.85, 109.86, 121.22, 177.03, 307.52, 325.07, 701.03, 1901.21, 2151.43, 2152.13, 2301.25, 2335.08, 2930.09, 2933.62, 2933.63, 2935.36, 2937.09, 2937.10, 2937.12, 2939.02, 2939.03, 2939.06, 2939.07, 2939.08, 2939.09, 2939.10, 2939.11, 2939.12, 2939.13, 2939.14, 2939.15, 2939.16, 2939.17, 2939.19, 2939.23, 2939.24, 2941.06, 2941.58, 2951.041, 2953.33, 3515.13, 3701.14, 3701.17, 3701.24, and 4113.22 and to enact sections 2937.111, 2939.061, and 2939.071 of the Revised Code to allow felony defendants to request an alternative system of indictment by open grand jury.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill allows felony defendants to request indictment by an open grand jury, which enhances defendant rights and promotes transparency within the criminal justice system.95% confidence

Track

signed · Ohio · House Jul 7, 2026

HB 210: Regards the sale of used catalytic converters

To amend sections 2913.02, 2913.51, 4737.012, 4737.04, 4737.041, 4737.043, 4737.045, 4737.99, 4738.03, 4738.07, 4738.12, 4745.01, and 4775.09 and to enact sections 4737.046 and 4737.98 of the Revised Code regarding the sale of used catalytic converters.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill regulates the sale of used catalytic converters, directly addressing crime and law enforcement, thus strengthening the criminal justice system's ability to deter and punish theft.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill regulates the sale of used catalytic converters. These devices are crucial for reducing vehicle emissions. By regulating their sale, the bill could deter theft and ensure proper functioning, indirectly supporting pollution control.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationThe bill regulates the sale of used catalytic converters to combat theft, which protects vehicle owners from financial loss and ensures the continued operability of vehicles, thus supporting the broader topic of transportation.75% confidence

in committee · Ohio · Senate Jan 29, 2025

SB 26: Create the Joint Law Enforcement Oversight Committee

SB 26 creates the Joint Law Enforcement Oversight Committee (JLEOC) to evaluate Ohio's training standards and programs for all peace officers. The committee, composed of six bipartisan members (three from the Senate and three from the House), will review existing training requirements, recommend improvements to statutes or rules, and assess related legislation. JLEOC may subpoena witnesses, hold public hearings, and employ technical staff to assist its work. This bill directly affects peace officer training oversight by establishing a formal legislative body to monitor and evaluate current standards.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesSB 26 creates a new committee (JLEOC) that will employ technical staff and conduct operations, requiring state appropriations and increasing government spending.80% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSB 26 creates an oversight committee to evaluate and recommend improvements to law enforcement training standards, which enhances police accountability within the criminal justice system.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentSB 26 creates a committee to evaluate and recommend improvements to peace officer training standards, which strengthens employment standards and potentially workplace safety for these workers.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

Track

in committee · Ohio · House Oct 15, 2025

HB 514: Regards public records of minors, sex offender library boxes

To enact sections 149.437 and 2950.036 of the Revised Code to specify that a video, taken by a public office depicting a minor at a public recreational facility with water activities, is not a public record, and is subject to restricted release, and to prohibit a sexually oriented offender or child-victim oriented offender from establishing or maintaining a library box.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens public safety by restricting activities of convicted sex offenders, a policy affecting corrections and post-sentencing management within criminal justice.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyHB 514 specifies that certain videos of minors taken by public offices are not public records and are subject to restricted release, directly protecting data privacy.90% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

Track

signed · Ohio · House Sep 7, 2026

HB 31: Require electronic recordings of all parole board hearings

To amend sections 149.43 and 5149.10 and to enact section 5149.102 of the Revised Code to require electronic recordings to be made of all parole board hearings and to make electronic recordings of full parole board hearings public records.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill HB 31 enhances transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system by requiring electronic recordings of parole board hearings and making them public records.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyThe bill mandates the use of electronic recordings, requiring the adoption and implementation of technology within government operations.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole