Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement)

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 amend sections 505.431 and 3313.951 of the Revised Code to authorize a law enforcement agency to provide school resource officer services to a chartered nonpublic school.

To amend sections 2901.30, 2901.41, and 2901.42 of the Revised Code to enact the Finding and Identifying with NamUs Data (FIND) Act to require law enforcement agencies to enter information relating to a report of a missing person in the national missing and unidentified persons system (NamUs).

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.