Issue · Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

Every criminal justice bill, vote, and legislator stance in Ohio, automatically classified by Maddy, our AI policy reader.

Total bills
282
136th Legislature (2025-2026)
Top supporter
Tristan Rader
100% support rate
Top opponent
Beth Lear
0% support rate
Ranked legislators
10
5 support · 5 oppose
Key legislators

Who's moving criminal justice in Ohio

Legislators moving criminal justice in Ohio
Legislator Party Stance Support rate Votes
Tristan Rader
Tristan Rader House · District 13
D
Strong +
100% 41
Meredith Lawson‐Rowe
Meredith Lawson‐Rowe House · District 5
D
Strong +
100% 48
Christine Cockley
Christine Cockley House · District 6
D
Strong +
100% 40
Veronica Sims
Veronica Sims House · District 33
D
Strong +
100% 46
Ismail Mohamed
Ismail Mohamed House · District 3
D
Strong +
100% 52
Beth Lear
Beth Lear House · District 61
R
Strong −
0% 41
Ron Ferguson
Ron Ferguson House · District 96
R
Strong −
0% 39
Bernie Willis
Bernie Willis House · District 74
R
Strong −
11% 42
Sarah Fowler Arthur
Sarah Fowler Arthur House · District 99
R
Strong −
12% 55
Jason Stephens
Jason Stephens House · District 93
R
Strong −
12% 49
Showing 271–280 of 282 bills

All criminal justice bills

in committee · Ohio · Senate Oct 29, 2025

SB 308: Expand State Highway Patrol jurisdiction; candidate security

To amend section 5503.02 of the Revised Code to expand the jurisdiction of the State Highway Patrol, including providing security for the Lieutenant Governor and for gubernatorial candidates, to make an appropriation, and to declare an emergency.
in committee · Ohio · House Oct 8, 2025

HB 498: Enact the Ohio Self-Defense Act

To amend sections 2307.601, 2901.05, and 2901.09 and to enact sections 2901.091 and 2901.092 of the Revised Code to enact the Ohio Self-Defense Act to modify the law regarding self-defense.
Sub-Topics Firearms
signed · Ohio · House Mar 20, 2026

HB 29: Regards inmates' access to feminine hygiene products and showers

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.
passed · Ohio · House Jun 4, 2026

HB 397: Expand allowable uses of profits from jail commissary funds

HB 397 amends Ohio's Revised Code (Section 341.25) to allow county jails to use profits from inmate commissary sales for additional purposes beyond current restrictions. This directly affects county jails managing these funds, as it expands their flexibility in allocating commissary profits. The key change is removing specific limitations on fund usage, permitting counties to direct these profits toward other operational needs as permitted by law, without creating new spending requirements. The bill focuses solely on reallocating existing revenue streams, not increasing funding.
Sub-Topics Corrections
signed · Ohio · House Jul 7, 2026

HB 492: Prohibit interfering with motor vehicle-related arrests

HB 492 makes it illegal to interfere with police officers during arrests for motor vehicle violations, such as traffic stops, speeding, or driving under the influence. The bill requires drivers to provide their name, address, and date of birth to officers upon request during these stops. This applies to all motor vehicle-related law enforcement, expanding previous rules to cover every type of traffic-related arrest. It directly affects drivers stopped by police for any violation of motor vehicle laws.
passed · Ohio · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 88: Regards drug trafficking, human trafficking, and fentanyl

HB 88 increases penalties for drug trafficking above specific quantities and prohibits organized human trafficking. It requires all Ohio schools and colleges to implement fentanyl awareness education and prevention policies. The bill also designates August as "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month" to promote public education. These provisions directly affect drug traffickers, educational institutions, and the general public through heightened penalties and prevention efforts. The law amends multiple sections of the Ohio Revised Code to enact these specific policy changes.
passed · Ohio · House Feb 18, 2026

HB 102: Restrict sex offender from residing, loitering near victim’s home

HB 102 prohibits sex offenders and child-victim offenders from residing within 2,000 feet of a victim’s home or loitering within 1,000 feet of that home. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of sex offenses who are subject to residency restrictions under Ohio law. Key provisions establish clear distance limits: a 2,000-foot buffer for living near a victim’s residence and a 1,000-foot buffer for lingering or loitering. These changes aim to enhance safety for victims by limiting close proximity to their homes.
passed · Ohio · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 338: Enact Andy's Law

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.
Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing
signed · Ohio · House Aug 26, 2026

HB 393: Require certain facilities assist inmates in obtaining ID cards

HB 393 requires community-based correctional facilities (like halfway houses or work release programs) to help inmates obtain state identification cards before their release. This applies specifically to individuals transitioning from community-based programs back into the general population. The bill mandates facilities provide assistance with ID applications, including necessary forms and documentation. This ensures released individuals have essential identification for accessing housing, employment, and public services.
passed · Ohio · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 519: Prohibit specified actions with intent to steal a motor vehicle

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.
Sub-Topics Drug Policy
Showing 271 to 280 of 282 bills