H.B. 627 Summary

• Eliminates the period of limitation for prosecution of rape (section 2907.02 of the Revised Code), allowing charges to be brought at any time rather than within the current 25-year limit.

• Adds rape and conspiracy/attempt to commit rape to the list of offenses with no statute of limitations, alongside murder and manslaughter.

• Allows prosecution of rape cases beyond the 25-year standard limitation period if a DNA match is made more than 25 years after the offense, with prosecution allowed within 5 years of the DNA determination.

• Requires law enforcement agencies to submit sexual assault examination kits for DNA analysis as soon as possible (within one year for prior investigations, within 30 days for new investigations initiated after March 23, 2015).

• Requires biological evidence retention for rape cases until the offense is solved or for 30 years if unsolved, and extends retention periods based on conviction status and incarceration of the perpetrator.