Criminal Justice

HB 519 amends Ohio law to make it a crime to possess an electronic device (like a key fob or hacking tool) when circumstances suggest the intent to steal a motor vehicle. It directly affects individuals who attempt to steal vehicles using electronic means, such as bypassing security systems. The key provision prohibits holding such devices in situations where the intent to commit vehicle theft is evident, rather than requiring actual theft to occur. This change clarifies and strengthens existing statutes to address electronic vehicle theft methods.

HB 615, the Retail Theft Prevention Act, amends Ohio law to specifically prohibit retail theft committed by groups working together. The bill changes existing criminal code sections to treat coordinated theft as a more serious offense, imposing higher penalties than individual theft. This directly affects individuals participating in organized retail theft rings by increasing their potential criminal consequences. The law applies to all retail theft cases where two or more people coordinate their actions, making group-based theft a distinct offense under Ohio statute.