Ohio House Passes Bill to Raise Penalties for Felony Domestic Violence Offenders

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 111, which will raise the penalties for domestic violence offenders from a “low tier” third-degree felony to a “high tier” third-degree felony. The measure is sponsored by State Reps. Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.) and Kevin Miller (R-Newark). 

Currently, when repeat domestic violence offenders are charged with a third-degree felony, they are subjected to a “low tier” sentencing range of 9-36 months. To reflect the seriousness of repeat offenders, House Bill 111 increases the third-degree felony to a “high tier” sentencing range of 12-60 months.

“This bill is an active step forward in protecting Ohioans from domestic violence and ensuring offenders are punished for their actions,” said LaRe. “There is no doubt this legislation will make Ohio a safer and better place to live and flourish.”

The legislation will also create a presumption favoring a prison term for third-degree felony domestic violence offenses if the offenders knew that the victim was pregnant at the time of the violation.

“To protect survivors of domestic abuse, we must amend our current laws to defend them,” said Miller. “Increasing the minimum sentencing range for repeat domestic violence offenders and favoring a prison term for offenders who knew their victim was pregnant actively works to protect victims of domestic violence.”

The legislation now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.