OH HB557

Amends Ohio Revised Code section 2929.20 to prohibit courts from denying judicial release to an offender solely based on the classification of the offense (felony degree level: first, second, third, fourth, or fifth degree)

Adds a new definition of "classification of the offense" meaning the severity of the offense as a felony of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth degree

Applies the prohibition to both eligible offenders seeking standard judicial release and eighty percent-qualifying offenders recommended for release by the Director of Rehabilitation and Correction

Courts must still consider other factors when determining judicial release, including recidivism likelihood, offense seriousness, public safety, and rehabilitation factors under existing law