Ohio Senate Passes Bill Protecting Domestic Violence Victims

COLUMBUS-The Ohio Senate passed House Bill 111, which increases the sentencing range for third-degree domestic violence felonies and establishes a presumption for a prison sentence in certain cases. The legislation was supported by State Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville), who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“This is a very common-sense change, which gives flexibility to judges and strengthens protections for victims of domestic violence, especially in cases where there is a cycle of abuse present," Manning said. 

House Bill 111 moves these third-degree domestic violence felonies to a "higher tier" sentencing range in certain cases, which prolongs the prison sentence to 12-60 months instead of 9-36 months. The bill also establishes a presumption favoring a prison term for these offenses if offenders knew the victim was pregnant.

The legislation received strong support from the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Ohio Domestic Violence Network, and Ohio Victim Witness Association during the committee process in the Senate.

House Bill 111 now heads to the Governor for his signature.