Bill > HB282

This bill would amend Ohio state law to require courts to consider an individual's immigration status as a mandatory factor when determining sentencing for criminal offenses and setting bail. Specifically, the bill adds language instructing courts to consider whether an offender is unlawfully present in the United States or has a current or previous federal immigration detainer when making decisions about community control sanctions, sentencing, and bail conditions. The new provisions would apply to both misdemeanor and felony cases, requiring judges to take immigration status into account alongside other factors such as the nature of the offense, the offender's criminal history, and potential risk to public safety. This means that an individual's immigration status could potentially lead to more restrictive sentencing, longer community control sanctions, or higher bail amounts. The bill appears aimed at increasing scrutiny of and potential penalties for individuals who are not legally present in the United States when they are charged with criminal offenses.

Justice

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb282