HB 185 Summary

• Eliminates lack of property owner's consent as a required element of arson when the property is not an occupied structure.

• Makes owner consent an affirmative defense for arson charges involving non-occupied structures under division (B) of section 2909.03.

• Modifies private prison operation provisions to allow the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to contract with private operators for intensive program prisons and other facilities.

• Establishes minimum criteria for private prison contractors, including American Correctional Association accreditation requirements and a minimum 5 percent cost savings demonstration.

• Requires private prison contractors to carry liability insurance covering civil rights claims and to indemnify the state and local governments for claims arising from facility operations and management.