The bill amends section 2929.18 of the Revised Code to establish a 180-day grace period during which offenders are not required to pay any financial sanctions, including restitution, fines, or other costs, following their release from prison or completion of transitional control. This change aims to provide offenders with a reprieve to stabilize their lives before facing financial obligations. While the obligation to pay these sanctions remains, the bill clarifies that offenders will be required to fulfill these obligations once the grace period has elapsed.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions regarding the types of financial sanctions that can be imposed, such as restitution to victims and reimbursement for costs incurred by municipal corporations and private providers. It introduces a new provision that prohibits courts from requiring payment of outstanding court-assessed fines, fees, or costs during the specified 180-day period, although this does not apply to restitution owed to victims. The bill also repeals the previous section 2929.18, indicating a comprehensive update to the legal framework governing financial sanctions in criminal proceedings.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2929.18