The proposed bill, known as Aspen Runnels' Law, seeks to enhance penalties for vehicular assault and vehicular homicide in active school zones by amending several sections of the Ohio Revised Code. Key provisions include the requirement for doubled fines for specified traffic violations occurring in these zones, as well as the introduction of new legal language that clarifies the application of offenses such as reckless operation and speeding in both construction and active school zones. The bill establishes mandatory prison terms for aggravated vehicular homicide and vehicular homicide when these offenses occur in active school zones, and it introduces new classifications for vehicular manslaughter, outlining prosecution conditions based on prior convictions and the offender's driver's license status.

Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals whose driver's licenses are suspended due to offenses in active school zones must complete a remedial driving instruction course focused on driver attitude and school zone safety before regaining their driving privileges. It also clarifies that certain traffic regulations apply only when appropriate signage is posted in construction and active school zones, ensuring consistent enforcement. The legislation aims to improve safety in school zones by imposing stricter penalties for traffic violations, thereby promoting accountability and protecting children and pedestrians in these sensitive areas.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2903.06, 2903.08, 2903.081, 4511.01, 4511.132, 4511.20, 4511.202, 4511.204, 4511.205, 4511.21, 4511.25, 4511.251, 4511.26, 4511.27, 4511.28, 4511.29, 4511.30, 4511.31, 4511.32, 4511.33, 4511.34, 4511.35, 4511.36, 4511.37, 4511.38, 4511.39, 4511.41, 4511.42, 4511.43, 4511.431, 4511.44, 4511.441, 4511.46, 4511.54, 4511.60, 4511.711, 4511.712, 5501.27