The bill, introduced by Senator Romanchuk, aims to strengthen legal protections for individuals with disabilities by amending various sections of the Revised Code. Key changes include redefining "functional impairment" to "disability" as per section 4112.01 and enhancing penalties for crimes such as felonious assault and aggravated assault when the victim is a person with a disability, particularly if the offender is aware of the victim's condition. The bill also establishes that felonious assault against a peace officer or a person with a disability, when the offender knows or should reasonably know of the victim's status, will be classified as a first-degree felony. Additional provisions address assaults against health care professionals and justice system personnel, with penalties escalating based on prior convictions.

Moreover, the bill modifies definitions and penalties related to various offenses, including negligent assault, menacing, robbery, and identity fraud, ensuring that crimes against individuals with disabilities are met with stricter consequences. For instance, menacing becomes a felony of the fifth degree if the offender is aware of the victim's disability, and robbery is classified as a second-degree felony under similar circumstances. The legislation also clarifies legal language surrounding domestic violence, particularly when the victim is pregnant, imposing mandatory prison terms based on the severity of the offense. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance protections for vulnerable populations and ensure that offenders face more severe penalties for targeting individuals with disabilities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2903.10, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2903.13, 2903.14, 2903.16, 2903.18, 2903.21, 2903.211, 2903.22, 2903.31, 2905.01, 2905.11, 2905.12, 2905.22, 2905.32, 2907.03, 2907.05, 2909.01, 2909.06, 2909.07, 2911.02, 2911.12, 2913.01, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.05, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.43, 2913.49, 2913.61, 2917.21, 2919.25