The bill, known as Amanda Dean's Law, seeks to amend section 2927.01 of the Revised Code to increase the penalties for the crime of abuse of a corpse. The proposed changes include reclassifying the offense of abuse of a corpse from a second-degree misdemeanor to a fifth-degree felony. Additionally, the bill introduces new classifications for gross abuse of a corpse, which will now be a fourth-degree felony, and establishes more severe penalties for specific actions such as dismembering, mutilating, or intentionally disfiguring a corpse. If these actions are committed to conceal a crime or obstruct justice, the offense will be classified as a second-degree felony.

The bill also repeals the existing section 2927.01 of the Revised Code, effectively replacing it with the newly amended language. The changes aim to strengthen the legal repercussions for those who commit acts that outrage community and family sensibilities regarding the treatment of human remains, reflecting a societal commitment to uphold the dignity of the deceased.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2927.01
As Reported By House Committee: 2927.01