The bill, Sub. H.B. No. 2025-2026, seeks to amend various sections of the Revised Code to establish the Repeat Offender Act, which introduces a classification for repeat offenders, modifies firearm specifications, and increases penalties for certain firearm offenses. It also broadens the scope of relief from firearms disability and revises the Sealing and Expungement Law. Key insertions include the creation of new sections 2941.1427 through 2953.323, which support the implementation of the Repeat Offender Act and clarify the handling of funds related to sealing or expunging records. The bill aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding repeat offenders and firearm-related offenses while ensuring proper management of criminal records and identification processes.

Additionally, the bill amends laws regarding juvenile offender records, criminal background checks, and the application process for concealed handgun licenses. It establishes specific criteria for eligibility, processing timelines, and training requirements for applicants. The bill also introduces provisions for the sealing and expungement of criminal records, emphasizing the importance of a thorough review process and the rights of victims. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the expungement process, enhance public safety through stricter penalties for serious offenses, and provide rehabilitative alternatives for eligible offenders, thereby improving the clarity and effectiveness of the legal system in addressing criminal justice issues.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 109.57, 109.572, 109.578, 109.579, 2151.357, 2901.08, 2923.125, 2923.13, 2923.14, 2929.01, 2929.13, 2929.14, 2941.141, 2941.144, 2941.145, 2941.146, 2953.25, 2953.26, 2953.32, 2953.34, 2953.61, 4723.28, 4729.16, 4729.56, 4729.57, 4729.96, 4752.09
As Reported By House Committee: 109.11, 109.57, 109.572, 109.578, 109.579, 2151.357, 2746.02, 2901.08, 2923.125, 2923.13, 2923.14, 2929.01, 2929.13, 2929.14, 2929.34, 2930.171, 2941.141, 2941.144, 2941.145, 2941.146, 2951.041, 2953.25, 2953.26, 2953.31, 2953.32, 2953.34, 2953.39, 2953.61, 4723.28, 4729.16, 4729.56, 4729.57, 4729.96, 4752.09, 5120.035
As Passed By House: 109.11, 109.57, 109.572, 109.578, 109.579, 2151.357, 2746.02, 2901.08, 2923.125, 2923.13, 2923.14, 2929.01, 2929.13, 2929.14, 2929.34, 2930.171, 2941.141, 2941.144, 2941.145, 2941.146, 2951.041, 2953.25, 2953.26, 2953.31, 2953.32, 2953.34, 2953.39, 2953.61, 4723.28, 4729.16, 4729.56, 4729.57, 4729.96, 4752.09, 5120.035