Ohio Governor DeWine Signs Bill Extending Competency Restoration Period for Violent Crimes

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 295 into law on Friday, February 21, 2026, extending the period for competency restoration for defendants charged with serious crimes. The bill, championed by the parents of slain Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter, aims to prevent individuals charged with aggravated murder, murder, or crimes carrying a potential life sentence from being released due to expiring competency timelines.

Background and Ritter Family Advocacy

The legislation was spurred by the case of De’Lawnte Hardy, accused of murdering Officer Ritter on July 4, 2024, and his grandmother, Beatrice Porter, on June 28, 2024. Under previous Ohio law, the competency restoration period was capped at one year. Jon and Karen Ritter, Officer Ritter’s parents, voiced concerns that Hardy could potentially be released if he wasn’t deemed competent to stand trial within that timeframe. WKYC reports that the Ritters urged lawmakers to address this legal loophole.

Key Provisions of Senate Bill 295

Senate Bill 295 increases the competency restoration period to a maximum of five years for defendants charged with aggravated murder, murder, or crimes where the possible sentence is life in prison. Cleveland 19 details that the bill too mandates state hospitals to notify courts within 14 days if a defendant refuses medication, and pauses the competency restoration timeline during any period of refusal.

Legislative Support

The bill was sponsored by State Senator Nathan H. Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and State Senator Thomas F. Patton (R-Strongsville) and received strong support from Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley, in addition to the Ritter family. The Ritters and O’Malley previously spoke before the Ohio House of Representatives Judiciary Committee in support of the legislation. Cleveland 19

Impact on the Criminal Justice System

Governor DeWine’s signing of S.B. 295 is expected to significantly alter the landscape of Ohio’s criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving serious violent crimes. The law aims to ensure that individuals accused of such offenses are held accountable even as also receiving the necessary mental health treatment to restore competency. WKYC

As of February 21, 2026, De’Lawnte Hardy remains at Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare (COBH) undergoing competency evaluation.