The Courtroom Employee Protection Act seeks to amend section 2903.13 of the Revised Code to increase penalties for assault against judges, magistrates, prosecutors, and court officials or employees. The bill reclassifies such assaults from a misdemeanor of the first degree to a felony of the fourth degree, with a further classification as a felony of the fifth degree for offenders with prior convictions for assault or homicide against justice system personnel. Additionally, the bill allows for a higher fine of up to $7,500 for these offenses. It also introduces a new definition for "court official or employee," expanding the scope to include any official or employee of a court clerk under state or federal jurisdiction in Ohio.

Moreover, the legislation provides new definitions related to emergency service responders and their family members, specifying who qualifies as a family member, including spouses, parents, children, and individuals in common law marital relationships. The bill also repeals the existing section 2903.13, which may have contained previous definitions or regulations regarding emergency service responders. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance legal protections for courtroom personnel and emergency service responders, ensuring clarity in their roles and relationships within the law.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2903.13