The bill amends sections 2903.06 and 2903.08 of the Revised Code to enhance the legal framework for vehicular manslaughter and vehicular assault in Ohio. Key changes include the insertion of "unclassified misdemeanor" alongside "minor misdemeanor" in the context of offenses leading to aggravated vehicular homicide. It reclassifies vehicular manslaughter from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor, with the potential for it to be elevated to a fourth-degree felony under specific conditions, such as driving under suspension or having prior related convictions. The bill also introduces stricter penalties for aggravated vehicular homicide, including mandatory prison terms and increased fines for offenders with prior OVI or traffic-related convictions.

Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to various offenses, such as "reckless operation offense" and "speeding offense," and specifies that certain provisions regarding construction zones apply only with proper signage. It expands the definition of serious physical harm to include mental illnesses requiring hospitalization and severe physical injuries. The legislation outlines penalties for aggravated vehicular assault and vehicular assault, detailing the classification of these offenses as felonies or misdemeanors, and mandates prison terms for certain violations. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen penalties for serious traffic-related offenses and clarify the definitions and consequences associated with them, while also repealing existing sections 2903.06 and 2903.08 to facilitate this overhaul.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2903.06, 2903.08