Bill > HB528

This bill amends Ohio's rape statute to require a mandatory minimum prison sentence of seven years for offenders convicted of forcible rape, specifically targeting cases where the offender purposely compels another person to submit by force or threat of force. The bill modifies existing law by inserting language that explicitly mandates the seven-year minimum prison term for offenses under division (A)(2) of the statute, which covers situations where sexual conduct is compelled through force or threat of force. This change means that judges will no longer have discretion to impose a shorter sentence for this type of rape, ensuring a more stringent punishment for offenders who use force or threats to commit sexual assault. The bill maintains other existing provisions of the rape statute, such as allowing prosecution without proof of physical resistance and restricting certain types of sexual history evidence in rape trials. By establishing this mandatory minimum sentence, the legislation aims to provide a stronger legal deterrent to forcible rape and ensure more consistent sentencing for this serious criminal offense.

Justice

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb528