The bill introduced by Representative Williams seeks to amend several sections of the Revised Code, specifically sections 2929.12, 2929.15, 2929.22, 2929.25, and 2937.011, by including a person's immigration status as a factor for courts to consider during sentencing and bail decisions. The new legal language mandates that courts must take into account whether an offender is unlawfully present in the United States or has a current or previous federal immigration detainer. This addition aims to provide a broader context for evaluating the seriousness of an offense and the likelihood of recidivism, while retaining existing provisions that guide courts in assessing various factors related to the offender's background and circumstances.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding community control sanctions and bail conditions, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and the potential for reducing sanctions based on exemplary compliance. It allows courts to modify community control conditions and mandates random drug testing for offenders. The bill also stipulates that if an offender violates a community control sanction, penalties may be imposed, but not for minor drug possession offenses. Furthermore, it establishes guidelines for bail determinations, ensuring that financial conditions are affordable and that the least restrictive measures are used to ensure court appearance and public safety. Existing sections of the Revised Code related to sentencing and bail are repealed, and the bill harmonizes amendments from previous legislation.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2929.12, 2929.15, 2929.22, 2929.25, 2937.011