Licking Today

The House Criminal Justice Committee has unanimously passed House Bill 111, a bill aimed at raising penalties for domestic violence offenders. The bill, sponsored by State Reps. LaRe and Miller, seeks to address the severity of domestic violence and provide better protection for victims.

Currently, repeat domestic violence offenders charged with a third-degree felony face a "low tier" sentencing range of 9-36 months. However, House Bill 111 proposes increasing the penalties to a "high tier" sentencing range of 12-60 months. This is an important step in recognizing the seriousness of repeat offenders and ensuring that survivors have more time to establish long-term safety plans.

State Rep. LaRe emphasized the importance of increasing the minimum sentencing for repeat domestic violence offenders, stating, "An increase in the minimum sentencing for repeat domestic violence offenders actively works to protect victims and addresses the severity of the abuse committed." The intention behind this change is to give survivors the necessary time and support to remove themselves from their abusers.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision that creates a presumption favoring a prison term for third-degree felony domestic violence offenses if the offender knew that the victim was pregnant at the time of the violation. State Rep. Miller highlighted the significance of this provision, stating, "The addition of a presumption favoring a prison term for offenders who knew victims were pregnant will help shield victims from a repeated cycle of domestic abuse that the current laws do not adequately defend against." This provision aims to provide additional protection for pregnant victims who are particularly vulnerable and in need of support.

House Bill 111 now awaits a vote on the House floor. If passed, it will mark an important step forward in addressing domestic violence and providing better protection for victims. The unanimous support from the House Criminal Justice Committee demonstrates the recognition of the urgency and importance of this issue.

To learn more, click on this link: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/kevin-d-miller/news/criminal-justice-committee-passes-bill-to-raise-penalties-for-felony-domestic-violence-offenders-117100