This bill proposes significant amendments to the Ohio Revised Code, primarily aimed at abolishing the death penalty and modifying jury selection processes in cases where defendants face life imprisonment. It repeals existing sections related to capital punishment and introduces new provisions that enhance the management and operation of correctional facilities, particularly those housing out-of-state prisoners. The bill emphasizes compliance with safety regulations and establishes protocols for emergency situations, while also clarifying the responsibilities of private contractors operating these facilities. Additionally, it outlines new requirements for the state public defender, including financial reporting metrics and the ability to contract private legal counsel for specific cases.

Moreover, the bill introduces various changes to the legal representation framework for indigent defendants, including the establishment of a legal assistance referral service for children in the Department of Youth Services and updates to the appointment and removal processes for county public defenders. It also modifies the reimbursement process for counties regarding public defender systems and capital case defenses, ensuring that all counties receive proportionate payments based on their operational costs. The legislation aims to enhance accountability, streamline legal processes, and improve the overall efficiency of the criminal justice system in Ohio while ensuring that victims' rights are upheld and that the legal framework remains consistent with the new policies on capital punishment.

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