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Read. Follow. Verify.Ohio Bill Mandates Indefinite Prison Terms and Revised Maximums for All Felony Sentences
Last action · May 13, 2026: Referred to JudiciarySponsor: Josh Williams
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What This Bill Would Do
Ohio House Bill 794 requires every sentence of imprisonment for a felony offense to be for an indefinite period consisting of a minimum and a maximum term. The measure amends multiple sections of the Revised Code to alter sentencing calculations, maximum terms, and appeal guidelines.
Changes sentencing structures for individuals convicted of felonies across Ohio by shifting the legal framework from definite terms to mandatory indefinite terms with specific minimum and maximum ranges.
- Ohio utilizes structured sentencing laws under Title XXIX of the Revised Code, categorizing felonies from first through fifth degrees. context
- Indefinite sentencing for certain high-degree felonies was previously introduced in Ohio via landmark legislation such as Senate Bill 201 (the Reagan Tokes Law). context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Felony offenders in Ohio
Individuals convicted of felony offenses will receive indefinite prison terms with a minimum and maximum term instead of certain definite sentences.
Sentencing courts
Judges are required to impose indefinite prison terms and state both minimum and maximum terms in sentencing entries.
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
The department manages offenders serving the newly mandated indefinite prison terms and administers earned credit programs.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does House Bill 794 change about felony sentences?
Which sections of the Ohio Revised Code are amended by this bill?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
2 actions- May 13, 2026HouseCommitteeReferred to Judiciary
- Mar 25, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Universal Indefinite Sentencing Mandate
The legislation removes distinctions that permitted certain felony categories to receive definite terms, applying the indefinite sentencing structure broadly.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.legislature.ohio.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy60Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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