Bill > HB211

This bill requires courts to consider an offender's status as a primary caretaker of a child when making certain criminal sentencing and intervention decisions. Specifically, the bill amends Ohio law to mandate that during sentencing hearings, courts must consider whether the offender is the primary caretaker of a child as one of the factors in determining appropriate sentencing. In cases where an offender is seeking intervention in lieu of conviction (an alternative to traditional criminal prosecution that allows for treatment and rehabilitation), the court must now consider the offender's status as a primary caretaker of a child when evaluating their eligibility for such a program. Additionally, in presentence investigation reports, if an offender files a motion providing evidence of being a primary caretaker, the investigating officer must investigate and include findings about the offender's caretaker status in the report. The goal of these changes appears to be recognizing the potential broader societal and familial impacts of criminal sentencing, particularly for individuals who have significant caregiving responsibilities for children.

Justice

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb211