This bill proposes significant amendments to various sections of the Revised Code, primarily aimed at abolishing the death penalty in Ohio and modifying related legal frameworks. It introduces definitions for terms such as "assisting suicide," "lethal injection drug," and "nontherapeutic abortion," while specifying that state funds cannot be used for policies covering these activities unless mandated by constitutional or federal law. The bill also repeals sections related to the death penalty and its procedures, establishing that public funds cannot be expended for nontherapeutic abortions, assisting suicide, or executing death sentences. Additionally, it allows for individual riders for coverage of nontherapeutic abortions, provided the individual pays all associated costs.

Furthermore, the bill outlines new requirements for private contractors operating correctional facilities housing out-of-state prisoners, emphasizing security needs and insurance provisions. It mandates that contractors cannot house out-of-state prisoners without necessary records and establishes protocols for emergencies and cooperation with law enforcement. The bill also introduces amendments to the public defender system, including standards for indigency and qualifications for public defenders, while ensuring accountability in legal representation for indigent individuals. Overall, the legislation reflects a comprehensive approach to reforming capital punishment, public defense, and correctional facility operations 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