H.B. No. 653 Summary

• Amends Ohio law regarding vehicular homicide and assault charges by modifying penalties and offense classifications in sections 2903.06 and 2903.08 of the Revised Code.

• Increases penalties for vehicular manslaughter under division (A)(4) of section 2903.06 from a misdemeanor of the second degree to a misdemeanor of the first degree, with enhancement to felony of the fourth degree under certain conditions (suspended license, prior convictions).

• Clarifies that vehicular assault violations under division (A)(4) of section 2903.08 are misdemeanors of the first degree, with enhancement to felony of the fourth degree if the offender was driving under suspension or has prior traffic-related convictions.

• Modifies driver's license suspension classifications for vehicular manslaughter and assault convictions, adjusting the suspension levels based on offense severity and prior conviction history.

• Repeals existing sections 2903.06 and 2903.08 in their entirety and replaces them with the amended versions.