Sub. S.B. No. 207 Summary

• Adds new criminal offense prohibiting knowingly impeding normal breathing or blood circulation of a family or household member by applying pressure to throat/neck or blocking nose/mouth.

• This new offense constitutes domestic violence and is classified as a felony of the third degree with mandatory prison term, or felony of the second degree if offender has prior domestic violence conviction.

• Prosecution does not require proving victim suffered physical harm, visible injury, or serious physical harm; includes affirmative defense for medical or other beneficial procedures.

• Amends sentencing provisions in Ohio Revised Code sections 2919.25, 2929.13, and 2929.14 to establish penalties and mandatory minimum prison terms for this new domestic violence offense.

• Defines "family or household member" to include spouses, former spouses, persons living as spouses, parents, children, and persons related by blood or marriage who reside or have resided together.