HB 471 Summary

• Increases criminal penalties for theft, securing writings by deception, and identity fraud offenses when the victim is an active duty service member or spouse of an active duty service member, elevating charges by one felony degree.

• Requires multiple theft or securing writings by deception offenses involving active duty service members or their spouses committed in the same employment, capacity, or relationship to be tried as a single offense with aggregated property values.

• Establishes civil liability for identity fraud victims under Ohio Revised Code Section 2913.49(B), (D), or (E), allowing recovery of up to $5,000 per violation or three times actual damages (whichever is greater) plus reasonable attorney's fees.

• Adds definition of "active duty service member" to include uniformed members of U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and reserve components serving on active or reserve duty, plus National Guard members on full-time duty.

• Creates a five-year statute of limitations for civil actions by identity fraud victims, running from when the offender's identity was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.