The bill amends sections 2307.601, 2901.05, and 2901.09 of the Revised Code to clarify the circumstances under which individuals have no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of their residence or vehicle. Specifically, it establishes that a person who is lawfully in their residence or vehicle, or is an occupant of a vehicle owned by an immediate family member, has no duty to retreat before using force. The bill also removes the previous language that allowed a trier of fact to consider the possibility of retreat when determining the reasonableness of the use of force.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definitions of "residence" and "vehicle" to ensure consistency across the relevant sections. It emphasizes that the presumption of acting in self-defense applies when a person uses defensive force against someone unlawfully entering their residence or vehicle. The changes aim to provide clearer guidelines regarding self-defense laws in Ohio, reinforcing the rights of individuals to protect themselves without the obligation to retreat in specific situations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2307.601, 2901.05, 2901.09