S.B. No. 127 Summary

• Eliminates spousal exceptions for rape, sexual battery, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, gross sexual imposition, sexual imposition, and importuning offenses in Ohio Revised Code sections 2907.02-2907.07.

• Permits a spouse to testify against their spouse in prosecutions for these sexual offenses, removing prior restrictions on marital testimony in these cases.

• Amends section 2945.42 to allow spousal testimony in cases involving rape, sexual battery, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, gross sexual imposition, sexual imposition, and importuning.

• Changes statutory language from "not the spouse of the offender" to remove spousal exemptions, making sexual assault crimes prosecutable regardless of marital status between offender and victim.

• Applies to all six sex offense categories, establishing uniform criminal liability whether the victim is a spouse or non-spouse.