OH SJR6

Proposes to amend Section 10 of Article I of the Ohio Constitution to allow prosecutors to elect whether to proceed by grand jury indictment or by court finding of probable cause following a public hearing in felony cases.

Requires a public hearing before a court to establish probable cause to believe the person committed the crime as an alternative to grand jury indictment.

Preserves existing defendant rights including right to counsel, confrontation of witnesses, speedy public trial by jury, and protection against self-incrimination.

Delegates to the General Assembly or Ohio Supreme Court (through rulemaking authority) the determination of grand jury composition, procedures for probable cause hearings, and other implementation details.

Takes effect immediately upon adoption by a majority of electors voting on the proposal at the November 8, 2016 general election, with existing statutes and rules governing felony prosecution to apply until the General Assembly or Supreme Court enact new procedures.