The bill, known as Andy's Law, seeks to enhance penalties for assaults and homicides involving specific victims within state or local correctional institutions. It introduces mandatory prison terms for offenders who commit these crimes against designated victims, including law enforcement officers, correctional facility employees, and visitors. The bill also expands the definition of victims to include visitors and volunteers at correctional facilities and modifies existing laws to impose stricter penalties for felonious assaults against employees of correctional institutions, particularly when the assault occurs on facility grounds. Additionally, it updates terminology in the law, replacing "mental health and addiction services" with "behavioral health."

Furthermore, the legislation addresses various aspects of sentencing, including mandatory prison terms for serious felonies, consecutive sentencing for multiple offenses, and specific provisions for offenders who commit crimes involving firearms. It establishes that offenders convicted of violent crimes against individuals under ten years of age must receive an additional seven-year prison term. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of the court in determining death penalty eligibility and mandates that the director of rehabilitation and correction have a minimum of five years of experience in corrections. Overall, Andy's Law aims to strengthen security measures within correctional facilities and enhance accountability for violent actions against designated victims.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 121.03, 2903.01, 2903.11, 2903.13, 2921.36, 2921.38, 2929.03, 2929.14, 5120.01
As Reported By House Committee: 121.03, 2903.01, 2903.11, 2903.13, 2921.36, 2921.38, 2929.03, 2929.14, 5120.01
As Passed By House: 121.03, 2903.01, 2903.11, 2903.13, 2921.36, 2921.38, 2929.03, 2929.14, 5120.01