The bill proposes significant amendments to various sections of the Revised Code, primarily aimed at abolishing the death penalty in Ohio 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 executions and nontherapeutic abortions. The bill also repeals several sections related to the death penalty, ensuring that any health coverage costs associated with these activities are borne entirely by individuals opting for such coverage. Additionally, it emphasizes that if any part of the bill is deemed invalid, the entire section will cease to operate, reinforcing the intent to eliminate the death penalty and related practices.

Moreover, the bill outlines new requirements for private contractors operating correctional facilities, mandates the Ohio Public Defender Commission to establish rules for public defenders, and modifies the structure and funding of county public defender commissions. It also introduces provisions for the handling of public records, enhances privacy protections, and clarifies the rights of victims in judicial proceedings. The legislation aims to streamline legal processes, enhance public safety, and ensure accountability in the management of correctional facilities and public defender systems while addressing the rights of defendants and victims.

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