The bill introduced by Representative Williams seeks to amend the Revised Code to address issues of masked harassment, trespassing, and aggravated riot. It prohibits individuals from wearing masks or disguises while committing acts of harassment or trespassing, establishing that offenders found guilty of a felony while masked will face an additional one-year prison term. The bill introduces new definitions for these offenses and their penalties, emphasizing the seriousness of such actions. It also includes specifications for minors adjudicated as delinquent for acts that would be felonies if committed by adults, imposing stricter penalties for juvenile offenders.

Additionally, the bill outlines mandatory sentencing provisions for offenders convicted of certain felonies, particularly those involving violent crimes and drug offenses. It mandates that if an offender is convicted of a felony and pleads guilty to wearing a mask during the offense, the court must impose an additional one-year prison term, which cannot be reduced. The bill also reinforces the requirement for courts to impose the longest prison terms for repeat violent offenders and major drug offenders, ensuring that sentences reflect the seriousness of the crimes. Furthermore, it repeals existing sections of the Revised Code related to these offenses, streamlining the legal framework and clarifying the conditions for imposing mandatory prison terms.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2152.17, 2911.21, 2917.02, 2929.14