The bill, introduced by Representatives Williams and Willis, seeks to amend various sections of the Revised Code to establish the Repeat Offender Act, which includes creating a repeat offender classification, modifying firearm specifications, and increasing penalties for specific firearm offenses. Key provisions include the establishment of an attorney general reimbursement fund for legal services, new procedures for reporting and processing criminal identification information, and enhanced privacy protections for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The bill also introduces new sections related to the sealing and expungement of criminal records, allowing for greater access to relief from firearms disability and clarifying the responsibilities of the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation in conducting criminal records checks.

Additionally, the bill outlines significant changes to the application and issuance of concealed handgun licenses, including the requirement for sheriffs to provide application forms free of charge and the establishment of criteria for applicants. It introduces mandatory prison terms for specific firearm-related offenses and enhances penalties for repeat offenders. The legislation also addresses the expungement process, specifying eligibility criteria and the responsibilities of courts in reviewing applications. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the criminal records process, enhance public safety, and ensure that individuals with past convictions have opportunities for rehabilitation while maintaining the integrity of the justice system.

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