This bill proposes significant amendments to the Revised Code, primarily focusing on the prohibition of public funding and insurance coverage for lethal injection drugs used in nontherapeutic abortions and assisted suicide, as well as the abolition of the death penalty. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "assisting suicide" and "lethal injection drug," while clarifying what constitutes a "nontherapeutic abortion." The bill specifies that state or political subdivision funds cannot be utilized for policies covering these procedures unless the individual pays for the coverage entirely. Additionally, it modifies the number of jurors that may be challenged in felony cases that could result in life imprisonment and repeals several existing sections deemed unnecessary due to these changes.

Moreover, the bill outlines new requirements for private contractors operating correctional facilities housing out-of-state prisoners, including mandates for security classification systems and insurance provisions. It also establishes comprehensive rules for public defenders, including standards for determining indigency and qualifications for legal representation in capital cases. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive information, particularly in health care and law enforcement contexts, while enhancing privacy protections for victims and witnesses. Overall, the legislation reflects a significant shift in the state's approach to capital punishment, reproductive health funding, and the management of public defense systems, aiming to streamline processes and ensure compliance with established standards.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 9.04, 9.07, 120.03, 120.041, 120.06, 120.14, 120.16, 120.18, 120.24, 120.26, 120.28, 120.33, 120.34, 149.43, 149.436, 1901.183, 2152.13, 2152.67, 2301.20, 2307.60, 2317.02, 2701.07, 2743.51, 2901.02, 2909.24, 2929.02, 2929.13, 2929.14, 2929.61, 2930.19, 2937.222, 2941.021, 2941.14, 2941.148, 2941.401, 2941.43, 2941.51, 2945.06, 2945.10, 2945.13, 2945.21, 2945.25, 2945.33, 2945.38, 2949.02, 2949.03, 2953.02, 2953.07, 2953.08, 2953.09, 2953.10, 2953.21, 2953.23, 2953.71, 2953.72, 2953.73, 2953.81, 2967.05, 2967.12, 2967.13, 2967.193, 2967.194, 2971.03, 2971.07, 3901.87, 5101.56, 5120.113, 5120.53, 5120.61, 5139.04, 5919.16, 109.97, 120.35, 2725.19, 2929.021, 2929.022, 2929.023, 2929.024, 2929.025, 2929.03, 2929.04, 2929.05, 2929.06, 2945.20, 2947.08, 2949.21, 2949.22, 2949.221, 2949.222, 2949.24, 2949.25, 2949.26, 2949.27, 2949.28, 2949.29, 2949.31, 2967.08