OH SB289

Eliminates the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of rape (Ohio Revised Code section 2907.02) and related offenses including conspiracy, complicity, and attempt to commit rape.

Eliminates the statute of limitations for civil actions brought by victims of rape or conduct constituting rape against the person who committed the offense.

Requires law enforcement agencies to review sexual assault examination kits and forward biological evidence to crime laboratories for DNA analysis within specified timeframes, with review deadlines of one year after April 4, 2023 for stalking violations and new investigations.

Establishes requirements for governmental evidence-retention entities to preserve biological evidence for rape cases for the period the offense remains unsolved, or 30 years if unsolved, with extended retention during incarceration or active legal proceedings.

Applies changes to both prospective violations committed after the effective date and prior violations where prosecution was not previously barred under existing law.