H.B. 90 Summary

• Amends Ohio law to extend assault-related criminal penalties to participants in uniformed law enforcement volunteer programs registered with the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program, placing them on equal footing with peace officers.

• Defines "uniformed law enforcement volunteer program" as a VIPS-registered program affiliated with a law enforcement agency and trained to observe neighborhood activities, report observations, and reduce crime.

• Enhances penalties for felonious assault (section 2903.11) against volunteer program participants from second-degree to first-degree felony when victim is a peace officer, investigator, or readily identifiable volunteer participant.

• Increases aggravated assault penalties (section 2903.12) against volunteer program participants from fourth-degree to third-degree felony, with first-degree felony if serious physical harm results.

• Elevates simple assault penalties (section 2903.13) against volunteer program participants to fourth-degree felony, with mandatory minimum prison sentences of at least 12 months if serious physical harm occurs.