Ohio HB498 modifies self-defense laws to enhance protections for individuals using force in self-defense or defense of others.

Ohio HB498, known as the Ohio Self-Defense Act, amends the state's self-defense laws to provide stronger protections for individuals using force in self-defense or defense of others. The bill establishes that a person using or threatening to use reasonable force, including deadly force, in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of their residence is immune from arrest, criminal charges, and civil action. It also allows individuals to file a pretrial motion claiming self-defense, which, if granted, presumes the use of force was necessary to prevent injury or risk to life or safety.

Ohio HB498 modifies self-defense laws to enhance protections for individuals using force in self-defense or defense of others.

Ohio HB498, known as the Ohio Self-Defense Act, amends the state's self-defense laws to provide stronger protections for individuals using force in self-defense or defense of others. The bill establishes that a person using or threatening to use reasonable force, including deadly force, in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of their residence is immune from arrest, criminal charges, and civil action. It also allows individuals to file a pretrial motion claiming self-defense, which, if granted, presumes the use of force was necessary to prevent injury or risk to life or safety.