As Introduced

136th General Assembly

Regular Session H. B. No. 519

2025-2026

Representative White, A.

To amend section 2923.24 of the Revised Code to prohibit possession of an electronic device under circumstances indicating an intent to steal a motor vehicle.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

Section 1. That section 2923.24 of the Revised Code be amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2923.24. (A) As used in this section, "electronic device or tool" means a device or tool designed or adapted for use in unlocking or turning on a motor vehicle and does not include a previously issued or activated electronic card, key, or other electronic device assigned to the lawful owner of a motor vehicle.

(B) No person shall possess or have under the person's control any substance, device, instrument, or article, with purpose to use it criminally.

(B)(C) Each of the following constitutes prima-facie evidence of criminal purpose:

(1) Possession or control of any dangerous ordnance, or the materials or parts for making dangerous ordnance, in the absence of circumstances indicating the dangerous ordnance, materials, or parts are intended for legitimate use;

(2) Possession or control of any substance, device, instrument, or article designed or specially adapted for criminal use;

(3) Possession or control of any substance, device, instrument, or article commonly used for criminal purposes, under circumstances indicating the item is intended for criminal use.

(C)(4) Possession or control of an electronic device or tool under circumstances indicating an intent to steal a motor vehicle.

(D) Whoever violates this section is guilty of possessing criminal tools. Except as otherwise provided in this division, possessing criminal tools is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the circumstances indicate that the substance, device, instrument, or article involved in the offense was intended for use in the commission of a felony, possessing criminal tools is a felony of the fifth degree.

Section 2. That existing section 2923.24 of the Revised Code is hereby repealed.