This bill proposes significant amendments to the Ohio Revised Code, primarily aimed at abolishing the death penalty and modifying related legal processes. It introduces definitions for terms such as "assisting suicide," "lethal injection drug," and "nontherapeutic abortion," while prohibiting the use of public funds for lethal injection drugs in nontherapeutic abortions, assisting suicide, or executing death sentences, unless mandated by federal law. The bill also repeals several sections related to the death penalty and its processes, allowing for individual provisions for elected officials to obtain coverage for nontherapeutic abortions at their own expense. Additionally, it emphasizes that if any part of the new provisions is invalidated, the entire section will cease to operate, ensuring legislative intent is preserved.

Furthermore, the bill outlines new requirements for private contractors operating correctional facilities housing out-of-state prisoners, including security considerations and compliance measures. It mandates the establishment of a public defender training fund and sets standards for the conduct of public defenders, while also clarifying the reimbursement process for legal services provided to indigent individuals. The bill enhances protections for sensitive information related to health care and law enforcement, introduces amendments to public records laws, and modifies the appeals process for felony convictions. Overall, the bill aims to streamline legal processes, enhance victim rights, and improve the accountability and efficiency of public defense services in Ohio.

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, 149.45, 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