Summary of HB 683 (Ohio, 136th General Assembly)
Title: Add Inspector General, Deputy IG to definition of peace officer
Purpose and Intent
- The bill amends the Ohio Revised Code to add the Inspector General (IG) and a deputy Inspector General to the definition of “peace officer” for purposes when the IG or deputy IG is acting within the scope of their official duties.
- It also requires the IG and deputy IG to meet the peace officer training standard (certificates from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission) to qualify for permanent appointment, and it grants them arrest authority comparable to other peace officers while performing duties.
Key Provisions and Changes
- Definitions expanded:
- Section 109.71: The Inspector General and deputy Inspector General are added to the list of positions that count as “peace officer” when engaged in official duties, provided they hold a certificate from the Peace Officer Training Commission.
- Training requirement:
- The IG and deputy IG must have completed an approved peace officer basic training program to qualify for permanent appointment under this provision.
- Arrest authority:
- Section 121.483 and related language establish that the IG or deputy IG, when acting within the scope of duties under sections 121.42 to 121.52, shall have the same arrest authority as a peace officer. This is limited to the scope of official duties.
- Electronic search warrants:
- The bill explicitly notes that, as peace officers, the IG and deputy IG may apply directly to a court for electronic search warrants, rather than having to petition a local law enforcement agency. This aims to improve efficiency in investigations.
- Related code harmonization:
- Minor amendments to Sec. 2935.01 and Sec. 109.77 reflect the expanded pool of individuals recognized as peace officers and the associated training and appointment requirements.
- Repeal and cross-reference:
- The bill repeals existing sections 109.71, 109.77, 121.483, and 2935.01 and replaces them with updated language consistent with the expansion to include the IG and deputy IG as peace officers.
Who Is Affected
- Primary: Office of the Inspector General (IGO) and its deputy. They would be considered peace officers when performing duties within the scope of their office, provided they have completed the required peace officer training.
- State and local law enforcement/administrative entities:
- Local police, sheriffs, and other peace officers may experience reduced administrative workloads and costs related to obtaining warrants, since IGs can petition directly for electronic search warrants.
- Training and credentialing bodies:
- Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission oversight remains integral, as certification for the IG and deputy IG is tied to completion of an approved program.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Status: Introduced and referred to committee (as of latest action history: February 18, 2026; introduced February 4, 2026).
- Effective date: Not specified in the text provided; typically, enacted legislation includes an effective date or timelines for compliance (the fiscal note does not specify a cost impact but notes expected efficiency gains).
- Local impact: Local law enforcement agencies may realize administrative cost savings proportional to the number of electronic search warrants that will no longer be petitioned by the IGO.
Fiscal and Administrative Impact
- State cost: No significant fiscal impact anticipated. The Ohio Legislative Service Commission notes that the IGO does not expect additional costs and that training needs can be absorbed within existing resources.
- Local cost: Administrative savings for local agencies from reduced warrant petitions.
Notes
- The bill focuses on aligning the IG and deputy IG with peace officer status to improve investigative efficiency and formalize statutory recognition of their authority within the scope of their duties.
- The exact implementation timeline (effective date, transition rules) is not provided in the introduced text and may be clarified in committee or floor amendments.
