This bill proposes significant amendments to the Ohio Revised Code, primarily aimed at abolishing the death penalty and modifying jury challenge procedures in life imprisonment cases. It seeks to repeal existing sections related to capital punishment, indicating a comprehensive shift in Ohio's legal framework regarding severe criminal penalties. The bill also introduces new provisions for the responsibilities of private contractors operating correctional facilities housing out-of-state prisoners, including requirements for compliance with operational standards, drug testing programs, and liability clarifications for the state and local entities.

Additionally, the bill enhances the accountability and transparency of the state public defender's office by mandating financial reporting on reimbursements for legal representation of indigent individuals and establishing guidelines for contracting private counsel in civil actions. It also revises the structure and responsibilities of county public defender commissions, ensuring adequate legal representation for indigent defendants. The legislation further addresses public records laws, clarifying definitions and procedures for requests, while also amending laws related to sentencing, appeals, and postconviction relief, particularly for individuals convicted of violent crimes and those seeking DNA testing. Overall, the bill represents a significant overhaul of various aspects of Ohio's criminal justice system, focusing on reforming capital punishment, enhancing victim rights, and improving legal representation for indigent individuals.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 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, 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