The Ohio Self-Defense Act proposes significant amendments to the state's self-defense laws, clarifying the use of force in self-defense situations. Key changes include the definition of "peace officer" and "reasonable force," aligning them with existing legal definitions. The bill establishes that individuals not engaged in illegal activities have no duty to retreat from a lawful location before using or threatening to use reasonable force, including deadly force, in self-defense. It also specifies that the affirmative defense of self-defense is unavailable in certain circumstances, such as when force is used during the commission of a felony or against an aggressor that the individual provoked.

Additionally, the bill introduces pretrial immunity hearings for those accused of using force in self-defense, shifting the burden of proof to the prosecution to demonstrate that the accused did not act in self-defense. It clarifies that the possibility of retreat will not be considered when determining the reasonableness of the force used. Individuals who act in accordance with the new provisions will be immune from arrest, criminal charges, or civil actions related to their use of force. Law enforcement must adhere to standard investigative procedures and cannot arrest individuals for justified use of force without probable cause. The bill also mandates treble damages, including attorney's fees, for defendants found immune under the new law, while repealing existing sections of the Revised Code related to self-defense to implement these changes.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2307.601, 2901.05, 2901.09