HB 932 creates a new state law to criminalize the use of false or misleading information to obtain state funding or grants. This provision directly affects individuals and businesses attempting to secure financial assistance from state programs by making such deception a felony offense. The bill mandates a minimum five-year prison sentence and five years of post-release control for those who defraud the state of fifty thousand dollars or more. Additionally, any business owned or controlled by a convicted offender is permanently barred from receiving future state funding.
To amend sections 2929.01, 2929.14, 2967.01, 2967.13, and 2967.132 and to enact section 2941.1427 of the Revised Code to enact the Felony Accountability for Frequent Offenders Act to create a specification for a habitual felony offender.
HB 826 introduces a new felony charge for obstructing federal immigration enforcement. This law directly affects individuals who attempt to prevent, obstruct, or delay federal immigration officers from carrying out their duties. Under the bill, anyone found guilty of these actions would be charged with a fifth-degree felony. The legislation adds this specific offense to the state's Revised Code to address interference with federal agents.
To amend sections 2907.41, 2919.251, 2937.011, 2937.222, 2937.23, 2937.35, 2937.36, 2937.39, 3905.83, 3905.84, and 3905.99 of the Revised Code to enact the Ohio Holly Act to prohibit charitable bail organizations from engaging in specified conduct and to make changes to the determination and forfeiture of bail.
To amend sections 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, and 2919.25 of the Revised Code to enhance criminal penalties for offenses committed against a person with a disability.
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People with Disabilities
HB 679 increases penalties for engaging in prostitution by amending Ohio law to classify violations as misdemeanors or felonies based on prior offenses. It specifically enhances penalties when the victim has a developmental disability, requiring felony charges and mandatory sex offender registration for repeat offenses. The bill also mandates offenders to complete education/treatment programs and imposes fines ($1,000-$1,500) for misdemeanor violations, with funds directed to human trafficking survivor services. It directly affects individuals engaging in or facilitating prostitution, particularly those exploiting vulnerable populations. The bill does not change the definition of prostitution but escalates consequences for repeat violations and cases involving developmental disabilities.
To amend section 2903.21 of the Revised Code to expand the offense of aggravated menacing to prohibit threatening a utility worker, cable operator worker, or broadband worker with intent to obstruct the operation of a utility.
HB 655 would create a new criminal offense in Ohio law for "neglect of parental duties" under section 2919.24 of the Revised Code. It would make it a crime for a parent or guardian to willfully fail to provide basic care, supervision, or necessities for a child under their responsibility. This bill directly affects parents or legal guardians who do not meet fundamental care obligations for their minor children. The key provision establishes specific legal consequences for this failure, moving it from a potential civil or child welfare issue into a criminal matter. The bill is currently in committee review after its introduction in January 2026.
HB 656 would create a new criminal offense for negligently assaulting a peace officer in Ohio. It directly affects individuals who unintentionally cause harm to officers through careless actions, such as accidentally hitting an officer while driving recklessly. The bill amends existing Ohio law (sections 2903.14 and 2927.15) to add this specific offense, distinguishing it from intentional assault. This change would establish a clear legal category for careless harm to officers, separate from other assault charges.
HB 662 increases penalties for disrupting religious gatherings at tax-exempt places of worship or virtual religious meetings. It raises the offense from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor (felony) when someone intentionally disturbs a physical religious service at a tax-exempt location or disrupts a virtual religious gathering using electronic means like video conferencing. The bill specifically targets acts that obstruct meetings, make disruptive gestures, or utter words that outrage the group, but only in these defined religious contexts. This change directly affects individuals who interfere with religious assemblies, both in person and online, by imposing stricter legal consequences.
