OH HB472

Eliminates the statute of limitations for prosecution of rape (section 2907.02 of Ohio Revised Code), allowing charges to be filed at any time after the offense is committed.

Amends section 2901.13 to add rape to the list of offenses with no period of limitation, joining murder and manslaughter which previously had no time limit.

Extends the existing 25-year limitation period for sexual assault prosecutions (section 2907.03) to align with the elimination of time limits for rape charges.

Applies retroactively to rape offenses committed before the bill's effective date if prosecution was not already barred under prior law.

Requires law enforcement to preserve biological evidence (including sexual assault examination kits) for rape cases indefinitely or until DNA testing is completed and appeals exhausted.