OH HB265

Amends Ohio Revised Code sections 2903.11, 2903.12, and 2903.13 to extend enhanced assault penalties to participants in uniformed police volunteer programs registered with the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program administered by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Defines "uniformed police volunteer program" as law enforcement volunteer programs affiliated with and trained by law enforcement agencies to observe neighborhood activities, report observations, and reduce crime.

Elevates felonious assault charges from second degree to first degree felony when the victim is a "readily identifiable participant" in a uniformed police volunteer program, matching penalties for assaulting peace officers.

Increases aggravated assault penalties from fourth degree to third degree felony when the victim is a uniformed police volunteer program participant, with mandatory prison terms if serious physical harm results.

Designates simple assault against uniformed police volunteer program participants as a fourth degree felony (instead of misdemeanor), with mandatory minimum 12-month prison term if serious physical harm occurs.