Ohio 136th General Assembly Status: Passed House 1 R cosponsors

HB 372 — Enact the Larry Henderson Act

Last action — Referred to committee

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has passed the House. Introduced June 23, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.

Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the Senate.

Odds of enactment

Moderate chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a moderate chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Stalled 32% · moderate confidence

  • Passed House

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 R).

  • Mixed recorded votes

    3 passed, 1 failed in recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Summary

To amend sections 2903.01, 2929.03, and 2929.04 of the Revised Code to enact the Larry Henderson Act to specify that the penalty for aggravated murder for an adult offender is death or life without the possibility of parole if the victim is a peace officer, prosecutor, first responder, or military member.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

30 added · 24 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of Bill HB 372 has seen a significant expansion in the number of cosponsors, increasing from just a few to a total of 52 representatives. This change highlights broader support for the bill within the House, which can influence its chances of passing. More support often indicates that the legislation addresses important issues for a wider array of constituents and may lead to a stronger impact once enacted.

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As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee 136th General Assembly Regular Session Am.
As Passed by the House 136th General Assembly Regular Session Am.
Representatives Swearingen, Mathews, A.
Representatives Swearingen, Mathews, A., Barhorst, Bird, Brennan, Click, Craig, Creech, Daniels, Deeter, Demetriou, Dovilla, Fischer, Ghanbari, Gross, Hall, D., Hall, T., Hiner, Holmes, Hoops, John, Johnson, Kishman, Lampton, LaRe, Lear, Manning, Mathews, T., McClain, Miller, J., Miller, K., Miller, M., Odioso, Oelslager, Peterson, Ray, Richardson, Ritter, Robb Blasdel, Roemer, Salvo, Santucci, Sigrist, Stephens, Thomas, C., Thomas, D., Troy, White, A., Williams, Workman, Young To amend sections 2903.01, 2929.03, 2929.04, and 1 2941.14 of the Revised Code to enact the Larry 2 Henderson Act to specify that the penalty for 3 aggravated murder for an adult offender is death 4 or life without the possibility of parole if the 5 victim is a peace officer, corrections officer, 6 prosecutor, first responder, or military member.
To amend sections 2903.01, 2929.03, 2929.04, and 1 2941.14 of the Revised Code to enact the Larry 2 Henderson Act to specify that the penalty for 3 aggravated murder for an adult offender is death 4 or life without the possibility of parole if the 5 victim is a peace officer, corrections officer, 6 prosecutor, first responder, or military member.
12 (B) No person shall purposely cause the death of another 13 or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy while 14 committing or attempting to commit, or while fleeing immediately 15 after committing or attempting to commit, kidnapping, rape, 16 aggravated arson, arson, aggravated robbery, robbery, aggravated 17 burglary, burglary, trespass in a habitation when a person is 18 present or likely to be present, terrorism, or escape.
12 (B) No person shall purposely cause the death of another 13 or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy while 14 committing or attempting to commit, or while fleeing immediately 15 Am.
19 Am.
372 Page 2 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee (C) No person shall purposely cause the death of another 20 who is under thirteen years of age at the time of the commission 21 of the offense.
372 Page 2 As Passed by the House after committing or attempting to commit, kidnapping, rape, 16 aggravated arson, arson, aggravated robbery, robbery, aggravated 17 burglary, burglary, trespass in a habitation when a person is 18 present or likely to be present, terrorism, or escape.
19 (C) No person shall purposely cause the death of another 20 who is under thirteen years of age at the time of the commission 21 of the offense.
43 (H) As used in this section:
43 Am.
44 (1) "Detention" has the same meaning as in section 2921.01 45 of the Revised Code.
46 (2) "Law enforcement Peace officer" has the same meaning 47 Am.
372 Page 3 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee as in section 2911.01 2935.01 of the Revised Code and also 48 includes any federal law enforcement officer as defined in 49 section 2921.51 of the Revised Code and anyone who has 50 previously served as a law enforcement peace officer or federal 51 law enforcement officer.
372 Page 3 As Passed by the House (H) As used in this section:
44 (1) "Detention" has the same meaning as in section 2921.01 45 of the Revised Code.
46 (2) "Law enforcement Peace officer" has the same meaning 47 as in section 2911.01 2935.01 of the Revised Code and also 48 includes any federal law enforcement officer as defined in 49 section 2921.51 of the Revised Code and anyone who has 50 previously served as a law enforcement peace officer or federal 51 law enforcement officer.
(A) If the indictment or count in the 67 indictment charging aggravated murder does not contain one or 68 more specifications of aggravating circumstances listed in 69 division (A) of section 2929.04 of the Revised Code, then, 70 following a verdict of guilty of the charge of aggravated 71 murder, the trial court shall impose sentence on the offender as 72 follows:
(A) If the indictment or count in the 67 indictment charging aggravated murder does not contain one or 68 more specifications of aggravating circumstances listed in 69 division (A) of section 2929.04 of the Revised Code, then, 70 following a verdict of guilty of the charge of aggravated 71 Am.
73 (1) Except as provided in division (A)(2) or (H) of this 74 section, the trial court shall impose one of the following 75 sentences on the offender:
76 Am.
372 Page 4 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee (a) Life imprisonment without parole;
372 Page 4 As Passed by the House murder, the trial court shall impose sentence on the offender as 72 follows:
73 (1) Except as provided in division (A)(2) or (H) of this 74 section, the trial court shall impose one of the following 75 sentences on the offender:
76 (a) Life imprisonment without parole;
98 (2) If the offender also is convicted of or pleads guilty 99 to a sexual motivation specification and a sexually violent 100 predator specification that are included in the indictment, 101 count in the indictment, or information that charged the 102 aggravated murder, except as provided in division (H) of this 103 section, the trial court shall impose upon the offender a 104 sentence of life imprisonment without parole that shall be 105 Am.
98 (2) If the offender also is convicted of or pleads guilty 99 to a sexual motivation specification and a sexually violent 100 Am.
372 Page 5 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee served pursuant to section 2971.03 of the Revised Code.
372 Page 5 As Passed by the House predator specification that are included in the indictment, 101 count in the indictment, or information that charged the 102 aggravated murder, except as provided in division (H) of this 103 section, the trial court shall impose upon the offender a 104 sentence of life imprisonment without parole that shall be 105 served pursuant to section 2971.03 of the Revised Code.
123 (C)(1) If the indictment or count in the indictment 124 charging aggravated murder contains one or more specifications 125 of aggravating circumstances listed in division (A) of section 126 2929.04 of the Revised Code, then, following a verdict of guilty 127 of the charge but not guilty of each of the specifications, and 128 regardless of whether the offender raised the matter of age 129 pursuant to section 2929.023 of the Revised Code or the matter 130 of serious mental illness at the time of the commission of the 131 offense pursuant to section 2929.025 of the Revised Code, the 132 trial court shall impose sentence on the offender as follows:
123 (C)(1) If the indictment or count in the indictment 124 charging aggravated murder contains one or more specifications 125 of aggravating circumstances listed in division (A) of section 126 2929.04 of the Revised Code, then, following a verdict of guilty 127 of the charge but not guilty of each of the specifications, and 128 regardless of whether the offender raised the matter of age 129 pursuant to section 2929.023 of the Revised Code or the matter 130 of serious mental illness at the time of the commission of the 131 Am.
133 (a) Except as provided in division (C)(1)(b) or (H) of 134 this section, the trial court shall impose one of the following 135 Am.
372 Page 6 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee sentences on the offender:
372 Page 6 As Passed by the House offense pursuant to section 2929.025 of the Revised Code, the 132 trial court shall impose sentence on the offender as follows:
133 (a) Except as provided in division (C)(1)(b) or (H) of 134 this section, the trial court shall impose one of the following 135 sentences on the offender:
157 (b) If the offender also is convicted of or pleads guilty 158 to a sexual motivation specification and a sexually violent 159 predator specification that are included in the indictment, 160 count in the indictment, or information that charged the 161 aggravated murder, except as provided in division (H) of this 162 section, the trial court shall impose upon the offender a 163 sentence of life imprisonment without parole that shall be 164 Am.
157 (b) If the offender also is convicted of or pleads guilty 158 to a sexual motivation specification and a sexually violent 159 predator specification that are included in the indictment, 160 Am.
372 Page 7 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee served pursuant to section 2971.03 of the Revised Code.
372 Page 7 As Passed by the House count in the indictment, or information that charged the 161 aggravated murder, except as provided in division (H) of this 162 section, the trial court shall impose upon the offender a 163 sentence of life imprisonment without parole that shall be 164 served pursuant to section 2971.03 of the Revised Code.
178 (ii) Except as provided in division (C)(2)(a)(iii), (C)(2) 179 (a)(iv), or (H) of this section, if the victim of the aggravated 180 murder was less than thirteen years of age, the offender also is 181 convicted of or pleads guilty to a sexual motivation 182 specification that was included in the indictment, count in the 183 indictment, or information charging the offense, and the trial 184 court does not impose a sentence of death or life imprisonment 185 without parole on the offender pursuant to division (C)(2)(a)(i) 186 of this section, the penalty to be imposed on the offender shall 187 be an indefinite term consisting of a minimum term of thirty 188 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment that shall be 189 imposed pursuant to division (B)(3) of section 2971.03 of the 190 Revised Code and served pursuant to that section.
178 (ii) Except as provided in division (C)(2)(a)(iii), (C)(2) 179 (a)(iv), or (H) of this section, if the victim of the aggravated 180 murder was less than thirteen years of age, the offender also is 181 convicted of or pleads guilty to a sexual motivation 182 specification that was included in the indictment, count in the 183 indictment, or information charging the offense, and the trial 184 court does not impose a sentence of death or life imprisonment 185 without parole on the offender pursuant to division (C)(2)(a)(i) 186 of this section, the penalty to be imposed on the offender shall 187 be an indefinite term consisting of a minimum term of thirty 188 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment that shall be 189 imposed pursuant to division (B)(3) of section 2971.03 of the 190 Am.
191 (iii) If Except as provided in division (C)(2)(a)(iv) of 192 this section, if the offender also is convicted of or pleads 193 guilty to a sexual motivation specification and a sexually 194 Am.
372 Page 8 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee violent predator specification that are included in the 195 indictment, count in the indictment, or information that charged 196 the aggravated murder, except as provided in division (H) of 197 this section, the penalty to be imposed on the offender shall be 198 death or life imprisonment without parole that shall be served 199 pursuant to section 2971.03 of the Revised Code.
372 Page 8 As Passed by the House Revised Code and served pursuant to that section.
191 (iii) If Except as provided in division (C)(2)(a)(iv) of 192 this section, if the offender also is convicted of or pleads 193 guilty to a sexual motivation specification and a sexually 194 violent predator specification that are included in the 195 indictment, count in the indictment, or information that charged 196 the aggravated murder, except as provided in division (H) of 197 this section, the penalty to be imposed on the offender shall be 198 death or life imprisonment without parole that shall be served 199 pursuant to section 2971.03 of the Revised Code.
218 (D)(1) Death may not be imposed as a penalty for 219 aggravated murder if the offender raised the matter of age at 220 trial pursuant to section 2929.023 of the Revised Code and was 221 not found at trial to have been eighteen years of age or older 222 at the time of the commission of the offense or raised the 223 Am.
218 (D)(1) Death may not be imposed as a penalty for 219 Am.
372 Page 9 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee matter of the offender's serious mental illness at the time of 224 the commission of the offense pursuant to section 2929.025 of 225 the Revised Code and was found under that section to be 226 ineligible for a sentence of death due to serious mental 227 illness.
372 Page 9 As Passed by the House aggravated murder if the offender raised the matter of age at 220 trial pursuant to section 2929.023 of the Revised Code and was 221 not found at trial to have been eighteen years of age or older 222 at the time of the commission of the offense or raised the 223 matter of the offender's serious mental illness at the time of 224 the commission of the offense pursuant to section 2929.025 of 225 the Revised Code and was found under that section to be 226 ineligible for a sentence of death due to serious mental 227 illness.
245 The court, and the trial jury if the offender was tried by a 246 jury, shall consider any report prepared pursuant to this 247 division and furnished to it and any evidence raised at trial 248 that is relevant to the aggravating circumstances the offender 249 was found guilty of committing or to any factors in mitigation 250 of the imposition of the sentence of death, shall hear testimony 251 and other evidence that is relevant to the nature and 252 circumstances of the aggravating circumstances the offender was 253 found guilty of committing, the mitigating factors set forth in 254 division (B) of section 2929.04 of the Revised Code, and any 255 Am.
245 The court, and the trial jury if the offender was tried by a 246 jury, shall consider any report prepared pursuant to this 247 division and furnished to it and any evidence raised at trial 248 that is relevant to the aggravating circumstances the offender 249 was found guilty of committing or to any factors in mitigation 250 of the imposition of the sentence of death, shall hear testimony 251 Am.
372 Page 10 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee other factors in mitigation of the imposition of the sentence of 256 death, and shall hear the statement, if any, of the offender, 257 and the arguments, if any, of counsel for the defense and 258 prosecution, that are relevant to the penalty that should be 259 imposed on the offender.
372 Page 10 As Passed by the House and other evidence that is relevant to the nature and 252 circumstances of the aggravating circumstances the offender was 253 found guilty of committing, the mitigating factors set forth in 254 division (B) of section 2929.04 of the Revised Code, and any 255 other factors in mitigation of the imposition of the sentence of 256 death, and shall hear the statement, if any, of the offender, 257 and the arguments, if any, of counsel for the defense and 258 prosecution, that are relevant to the penalty that should be 259 imposed on the offender.
If the trial jury unanimously finds, by 282 proof beyond a reasonable doubt, that the aggravating 283 circumstances the offender was found guilty of committing 284 outweigh the mitigating factors, the trial jury shall recommend 285 to the court that the sentence of death be imposed on the 286 Am.
If the trial jury unanimously finds, by 282 Am.
372 Page 11 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee offender.
372 Page 11 As Passed by the House proof beyond a reasonable doubt, that the aggravating 283 circumstances the offender was found guilty of committing 284 outweigh the mitigating factors, the trial jury shall recommend 285 to the court that the sentence of death be imposed on the 286 offender.
312 (d) If one of the specifications the offender is convicted 313 of or pleads guilty to is the specification in division (A)(6) 314 of section 2929.04 of the Revised Code and the victim of 315 aggravated murder was a peace officer, corrections officer, or 316 Am.
312 Am.
372 Page 12 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee prosecutor, or if one of the specifications the offender is 317 convicted of or pleads guilty to is the specification in 318 division (A)(11) of section 2929.04 of the Revised Code and the 319 victim of aggravated murder was a first responder or military 320 member, and the jury does not recommend a sentence of death 321 pursuant to division (D)(2) of this section, to life 322 imprisonment without parole.
372 Page 12 As Passed by the House (d) If one of the specifications the offender is convicted 313 of or pleads guilty to is the specification in division (A)(6) 314 of section 2929.04 of the Revised Code and the victim of 315 aggravated murder was a peace officer, corrections officer, or 316 prosecutor, or if one of the specifications the offender is 317 convicted of or pleads guilty to is the specification in 318 division (A)(11) of section 2929.04 of the Revised Code and the 319 victim of aggravated murder was a first responder or military 320 member, and the jury does not recommend a sentence of death 321 pursuant to division (D)(2) of this section, to life 322 imprisonment without parole.
342 (3) Upon consideration of the relevant evidence raised at 343 trial, the testimony, other evidence, statement of the offender, 344 arguments of counsel, and, if applicable, the reports submitted 345 to the court pursuant to division (D)(1) of this section, if, 346 after receiving pursuant to division (D)(2) of this section the 347 Am.
342 (3) Upon consideration of the relevant evidence raised at 343 Am.
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372 Page 13 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee trial jury's recommendation that the sentence of death be 348 imposed, the court finds, by proof beyond a reasonable doubt, or 349 if the panel of three judges unanimously finds, by proof beyond 350 a reasonable doubt, that the aggravating circumstances the 351 offender was found guilty of committing outweigh the mitigating 352 factors, it shall impose sentence of death on the offender.
372 Page 13 As Passed by the House trial, the testimony, other evidence, statement of the offender, 344 arguments of counsel, and, if applicable, the reports submitted 345 to the court pursuant to division (D)(1) of this section, if, 346 after receiving pursuant to division (D)(2) of this section the 347 trial jury's recommendation that the sentence of death be 348 imposed, the court finds, by proof beyond a reasonable doubt, or 349 if the panel of three judges unanimously finds, by proof beyond 350 a reasonable doubt, that the aggravating circumstances the 351 offender was found guilty of committing outweigh the mitigating 352 factors, it shall impose sentence of death on the offender.
365 (iv) If the victim of the aggravated murder was less than 366 thirteen years of age, the offender also is convicted of or 367 pleads guilty to a sexual motivation specification that was 368 included in the indictment, count in the indictment, or 369 information charging the offense, and the trial court does not 370 impose a sentence of life imprisonment without parole on the 371 offender pursuant to division (D)(3)(a)(i) of this section, the 372 court or panel shall sentence the offender pursuant to division 373 (B)(3) of section 2971.03 of the Revised Code to an indefinite 374 term consisting of a minimum term of thirty years and a maximum 375 term of life imprisonment.
365 (iv) If the victim of the aggravated murder was less than 366 thirteen years of age, the offender also is convicted of or 367 pleads guilty to a sexual motivation specification that was 368 included in the indictment, count in the indictment, or 369 information charging the offense, and the trial court does not 370 impose a sentence of life imprisonment without parole on the 371 offender pursuant to division (D)(3)(a)(i) of this section, the 372 Am.
376 Am.
372 Page 14 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee (b) If the offender also is convicted of or pleads guilty 377 to a sexual motivation specification and a sexually violent 378 predator specification that are included in the indictment, 379 count in the indictment, or information that charged the 380 aggravated murder, except as provided in division (H) of this 381 section, life imprisonment without parole that shall be served 382 pursuant to section 2971.03 of the Revised Code.
372 Page 14 As Passed by the House court or panel shall sentence the offender pursuant to division 373 (B)(3) of section 2971.03 of the Revised Code to an indefinite 374 term consisting of a minimum term of thirty years and a maximum 375 term of life imprisonment.
376 (b) If the offender also is convicted of or pleads guilty 377 to a sexual motivation specification and a sexually violent 378 predator specification that are included in the indictment, 379 count in the indictment, or information that charged the 380 aggravated murder, except as provided in division (H) of this 381 section, life imprisonment without parole that shall be served 382 pursuant to section 2971.03 of the Revised Code.
402 Instead, the court or panel shall impose one of the following 403 sentences on the offender:
402 Am.
404 (a) Except as provided in division (E)(1)(b) or (H) of 405 this section, one of the following:
406 Am.
372 Page 15 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee (i) Life imprisonment without parole;
372 Page 15 As Passed by the House Instead, the court or panel shall impose one of the following 403 sentences on the offender:
404 (a) Except as provided in division (E)(1)(b) or (H) of 405 this section, one of the following:
406 (i) Life imprisonment without parole;
431 (2) If the offender raised the matter of the offender's 432 serious mental illness at the time of the commission of the 433 offense pursuant to section 2929.025 of the Revised Code, was 434 found under that section to be ineligible for a sentence of 435 Am.
431 Am.
372 Page 16 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee death due to serious mental illness, and was convicted of 436 aggravated murder and one or more specifications of an 437 aggravating circumstance listed in division (A) of section 438 2929.04 of the Revised Code, the court or panel of three judges 439 shall not impose a sentence of death on the offender.
372 Page 16 As Passed by the House (2) If the offender raised the matter of the offender's 432 serious mental illness at the time of the commission of the 433 offense pursuant to section 2929.025 of the Revised Code, was 434 found under that section to be ineligible for a sentence of 435 death due to serious mental illness, and was convicted of 436 aggravated murder and one or more specifications of an 437 aggravating circumstance listed in division (A) of section 438 2929.04 of the Revised Code, the court or panel of three judges 439 shall not impose a sentence of death on the offender.
For cases in which a sentence 461 of death is imposed for an offense committed before January 1, 462 1995, the court or panel shall file the opinion required to be 463 prepared by this division with the clerk of the appropriate 464 court of appeals and with the clerk of the supreme court within 465 fifteen days after the court or panel imposes sentence.
For cases in which a sentence 461 of death is imposed for an offense committed before January 1, 462 Am.
For 466 Am.
372 Page 17 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee cases in which a sentence of death is imposed for an offense 467 committed on or after January 1, 1995, the court or panel shall 468 file the opinion required to be prepared by this division with 469 the clerk of the supreme court within fifteen days after the 470 court or panel imposes sentence.
372 Page 17 As Passed by the House 1995, the court or panel shall file the opinion required to be 463 prepared by this division with the clerk of the appropriate 464 court of appeals and with the clerk of the supreme court within 465 fifteen days after the court or panel imposes sentence.
For 466 cases in which a sentence of death is imposed for an offense 467 committed on or after January 1, 1995, the court or panel shall 468 file the opinion required to be prepared by this division with 469 the clerk of the supreme court within fifteen days after the 470 court or panel imposes sentence.
(A) Imposition of the death penalty for 491 aggravated murder is precluded unless one or more of the 492 following is specified in the indictment or count in the 493 indictment pursuant to section 2941.14 of the Revised Code and 494 proved beyond a reasonable doubt:
(A) Imposition of the death penalty for 491 aggravated murder is precluded unless one or more of the 492 Am.
495 Am.
372 Page 18 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee (1) The offense was the assassination of the president of 496 the United States or a person in line of succession to the 497 presidency, the governor or lieutenant governor of this state, 498 the president-elect or vice president-elect of the United 499 States, the governor-elect or lieutenant governor-elect of this 500 state, or a candidate for any of the offices described in this 501 division.
372 Page 18 As Passed by the House following is specified in the indictment or count in the 493 indictment pursuant to section 2941.14 of the Revised Code and 494 proved beyond a reasonable doubt:
495 (1) The offense was the assassination of the president of 496 the United States or a person in line of succession to the 497 presidency, the governor or lieutenant governor of this state, 498 the president-elect or vice president-elect of the United 499 States, the governor-elect or lieutenant governor-elect of this 500 state, or a candidate for any of the offices described in this 501 division.
520 (a) The offender was in the facility as a result of being 521 charged with a violation of a section of the Revised Code.
520 (a) The offender was in the facility as a result of being 521 Am.
522 (b) The offender was under detention as a result of being 523 convicted of or pleading guilty to a violation of a section of 524 Am.
372 Page 19 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee the Revised Code.
372 Page 19 As Passed by the House charged with a violation of a section of the Revised Code.
522 (b) The offender was under detention as a result of being 523 convicted of or pleading guilty to a violation of a section of 524 the Revised Code.
548 (8) The victim of the aggravated murder was a witness to 549 an offense who was purposely killed to prevent the victim's 550 testimony in any criminal proceeding and the aggravated murder 551 was not committed during the commission, attempted commission, 552 or flight immediately after the commission or attempted 553 commission of the offense to which the victim was a witness, or 554 Am.
548 (8) The victim of the aggravated murder was a witness to 549 an offense who was purposely killed to prevent the victim's 550 Am.
372 Page 20 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee the victim of the aggravated murder was a witness to an offense 555 and was purposely killed in retaliation for the victim's 556 testimony in any criminal proceeding.
372 Page 20 As Passed by the House testimony in any criminal proceeding and the aggravated murder 551 was not committed during the commission, attempted commission, 552 or flight immediately after the commission or attempted 553 commission of the offense to which the victim was a witness, or 554 the victim of the aggravated murder was a witness to an offense 555 and was purposely killed in retaliation for the victim's 556 testimony in any criminal proceeding.
573 (B) If one or more of the aggravating circumstances listed 574 in division (A) of this section is specified in the indictment 575 or count in the indictment and proved beyond a reasonable doubt, 576 if the offender did not raise the matter of age pursuant to 577 section 2929.023 of the Revised Code or the offender after 578 raising that matter was found at trial to have been eighteen 579 years of age or older at the time of the commission of the 580 offense, and if the offender did not raise the matter of the 581 offender's serious mental illness at the time of the commission 582 of the offense pursuant to section 2929.025 of the Revised Code 583 or the offender after raising that matter was found by the court 584 Am.
573 (B) If one or more of the aggravating circumstances listed 574 in division (A) of this section is specified in the indictment 575 or count in the indictment and proved beyond a reasonable doubt, 576 if the offender did not raise the matter of age pursuant to 577 section 2929.023 of the Revised Code or the offender after 578 raising that matter was found at trial to have been eighteen 579 years of age or older at the time of the commission of the 580 Am.
372 Page 21 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee to not be ineligible for a sentence of death, the court, trial 585 jury, or panel of three judges shall consider, and weigh against 586 the aggravating circumstances proved beyond a reasonable doubt, 587 the nature and circumstances of the offense, the history, 588 character, and background of the offender, and all of the 589 following factors:
372 Page 21 As Passed by the House offense, and if the offender did not raise the matter of the 581 offender's serious mental illness at the time of the commission 582 of the offense pursuant to section 2929.025 of the Revised Code 583 or the offender after raising that matter was found by the court 584 to not be ineligible for a sentence of death, the court, trial 585 jury, or panel of three judges shall consider, and weigh against 586 the aggravating circumstances proved beyond a reasonable doubt, 587 the nature and circumstances of the offense, the history, 588 character, and background of the offender, and all of the 589 following factors:
609 (C) The defendant shall be given great latitude in the 610 presentation of evidence of the factors listed in division (B) 611 of this section and of any other factors in mitigation of the 612 Am.
609 Am.
372 Page 22 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee imposition of the sentence of death.
372 Page 22 As Passed by the House (C) The defendant shall be given great latitude in the 610 presentation of evidence of the factors listed in division (B) 611 of this section and of any other factors in mitigation of the 612 imposition of the sentence of death.
638 "SPECIFICATION (or, SPECIFICATION 1, SPECIFICATION TO THE 639 FIRST COUNT, or SPECIFICATION 1 TO THE FIRST COUNT).
638 Am.
The Grand 640 Jurors further find and specify that (set forth the applicable 641 Am.
372 Page 23 As Reported by the House Judiciary Committee aggravating circumstance listed in divisions (A)(1) to (10)(11) 642 of section 2929.04 of the Revised Code.
372 Page 23 As Passed by the House "SPECIFICATION (or, SPECIFICATION 1, SPECIFICATION TO THE 639 FIRST COUNT, or SPECIFICATION 1 TO THE FIRST COUNT).
The Grand 640 Jurors further find and specify that (set forth the applicable 641 aggravating circumstance listed in divisions (A)(1) to (10)(11) 642 of section 2929.04 of the Revised Code.
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Action History

  1. As Passed by the House

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 133 not signed on · 4 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (133)

133 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Passed

Passed 89 Yea · 4 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 63000
Democratic 26400
Total 89400
% of votes cast 96%4%0%0%
How each member voted (93)
Member Party Vote
Ashley Bryant Bailey Democratic Yea
Beryl Brown Piccolantonio Democratic Yea
Bride Rose Sweeney Democratic Yea
C. Allison Russo Democratic Yea
Cecil Thomas Democratic Yea
Chris Glassburn Democratic Yea
Christine Cockley Democratic Nay
Crystal Lett Democratic Yea
Dani Isaacsohn Democratic Yea
Daniel P. Troy Democratic Yea
Darnell T. Brewer Democratic Yea
Derrick Hall Democratic Yea
Desiree Tims Democratic Yea
Dontavius L. Jarrells Democratic Yea
Elgin Rogers, Jr. Democratic Yea
Erika White Democratic Yea
Ismail Mohamed Democratic Yea
Joseph A. Miller, III Democratic Yea
Juanita O. Brent Democratic Nay
Karen Brownlee Democratic Yea
Latyna M. Humphrey Democratic Yea
Mark Sigrist Democratic Yea
Meredith R. Lawson-Rowe Democratic Yea
Michele Grim Democratic Yea
Phillip M. Robinson, Jr. Democratic Yea
Rachel B. Baker Democratic Yea
Sean P. Brennan Democratic Yea
Terrence Upchurch Democratic Yea
Tristan Rader Democratic Nay
Veronica R. Sims Democratic Nay
Adam C. Bird Republican Yea
Adam Holmes Republican Yea
Adam Mathews Republican Yea
Andrea White Republican Yea
Angela N. King Republican Yea
Beth Lear Republican Yea
Bill Roemer Republican Yea
Bob Peterson Republican Yea
Brian Lampton Republican Yea
Brian Lorenz Republican Yea
Brian Stewart Republican Yea
Cindy Abrams Republican Yea
D. J. Swearingen Republican Yea
David Thomas Republican Yea
Diane Mullins Republican Yea
Gary Click Republican Yea
Gayle Manning Republican Yea
Haraz N. Ghanbari Republican Yea
Heidi Workman Republican Yea
Jack K. Daniels Republican Yea
James M. Hoops Republican Yea
Jamie Callender Republican Yea
Jason Stephens Republican Yea
Jeff LaRe Republican Yea
Jennifer Gross Republican Yea
Jim Thomas Republican Yea
Jodi Salvo Republican Yea
Johnathan Newman Republican Yea
Josh Williams Republican Yea
Justin Pizzulli Republican Yea
Kellie Deeter Republican Yea
Kevin D. Miller Republican Yea
Kevin Ritter Republican Yea
Levi Dean Republican Yea
Marilyn John Republican Yea
Mark Hiner Republican Yea
Mark Johnson Republican Yea
Matt Huffman Republican Yea
Matthew Kishman Republican Yea
Melanie Miller Republican Yea
Meredith Craig Republican Yea
Michael D. Dovilla Republican Yea
Michelle Teska Republican Yea
Mike Odioso Republican Yea
Monica Robb Blasdel Republican Yea
Nick Santucci Republican Yea
Phil Plummer Republican Yea
Riordan T. McClain Republican Yea
Rodney Creech Republican Yea
Ron Ferguson Republican Yea
Roy Klopfenstein Republican Yea
Sarah Fowler Arthur Republican Yea
Scott Oelslager Republican Yea
Sharon A. Ray Republican Yea
Steve Demetriou Republican Yea
Tex Fischer Republican Yea
Thaddeus J. Claggett Republican Yea
Thomas Hall Republican Yea
Tim Barhorst Republican Yea
Tom Young Republican Yea
Tracy M. Richardson Republican Yea
Ty D. Mathews Republican Yea
Ty Moore Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Reported

Failed 13 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 9000
Democratic 4000
Total 13000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (13)
Member Party Vote
Beryl Brown Piccolantonio Democratic Yea
Desiree Tims Democratic Yea
Eric Synenberg Democratic Yea
Ismail Mohamed Democratic Yea
Adam Mathews Republican Yea
Brian Stewart Republican Yea
D. J. Swearingen Republican Yea
Jamie Callender Republican Yea
Jim Thomas Republican Yea
Josh Williams Republican Yea
Mike Odioso Republican Yea
Phil Plummer Republican Yea
Scott Oelslager Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

public-safety
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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 372 do?
To amend sections 2903.01, 2929.03, and 2929.04 of the Revised Code to enact the Larry Henderson Act to specify that the penalty for aggravated murder for an adult offender is death or life without the possibility of parole if the victim is a peace officer, prosecutor, first responder, or military member.
Who sponsors HB 372?
HB 372 is sponsored by Cindy Abrams (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 372?
This bill has passed the House. Introduced June 23, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.
Where can I track HB 372?
Track HB 372 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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