Explanation
The purpose of this ordinance is to conform language in the Columbus City Codes regarding negligent homicide, assault, negligent assault, aggravated menacing, and menacing to similar provisions in the Ohio Revised Code, to add forfeiture of weapons used in the commission of these offenses, and to add mandatory jail time, if the perpetrator possessed a gun when the offense was committee.
The ordinance also enacts new sections creating the offense of domestic violence, including intimate partner violence, and the offense of violation of a protection order in the Columbus City Codes. These new sections also conform to state law and include forfeiture of weapons and mandatory jail time for gun possession when committing these crimes.
Title
To amend Columbus City Code sections 2303.05, 2303.13, 2303.14, 2303.21 and 2303.22 and enact new sections 2319.25 and 2319.27 to conform the Columbus City Code to state law and create provisions for domestic violence and violation of a protection order.
Body
WHEREAS, statewide law in Ohio upheld by the Ohio Supreme Court prevents the City of Columbus from passing common sense gun control measures to reduce gun violence. Furthermore, without a uniform system of gun control measures throughout the United States, the effectiveness of actions taken by individual municipalities and states is reduced; and
WHEREAS, requiring violent criminals to forfeit weapons used in the commission of offenses against individuals enhances community safety; and
WHEREAS, Ohio narrowly defines domestic violence as occurring between spouses, those cohabiting, or family members and does not offer specific legal protections for victims of dating violence; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence is a serious crime which has severe negative impacts on individuals and families in Columbus and the City of Columbus is committed to protecting individuals experiencing domestic violence; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLU...
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