The proposed bill aims to amend the Revised Code by introducing new aggravated murder offenses that specifically target acts motivated by political reasons and against political victims. Key provisions include the insertion of language that criminalizes the act of purposely causing the death of an elected official and classifies any murder motivated by political affiliation, belief, or ideology as aggravated murder. This new legal framework seeks to enhance penalties for politically motivated offenses, ensuring they are treated with greater severity under the law. Additionally, the bill mandates prison terms for individuals convicted of politically motivated violent offenses and incorporates political motivation as a factor in sentencing for both felonies and misdemeanors.

The bill also establishes specific prison terms for various degrees of felonies, differentiating between offenses committed on or after March 22, 2019, and those committed prior to that date. It introduces mandatory sentencing guidelines for offenders convicted of violent crimes, particularly those with a history of repeat offenses, requiring maximum prison terms for politically motivated violence. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes consecutive sentencing for offenders who commit violent felonies while wearing body armor or under certain circumstances, and it includes provisions for post-release control requirements. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance public safety by imposing stricter penalties on individuals committing serious crimes, particularly those that are politically motivated or involve violence.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2903.01, 2929.01, 2929.12, 2929.14, 2929.22