Aisha's Law Finally Passes Out Of Ohio House

COLUMBUS, OH — After more than a year of hearings and discussions, the Ohio House overwhelmingly passed Aisha's Law on Wednesday.

Aisha's Law is named for Aisha Fraser, a Shaker Heights teacher who was killed by her ex-husband in 2018. The legislation offers expanded protections for domestic violence survivors.

"Nothing prepared me for the way Aisha’s story and the stories of other survivors have changed me. I am extraordinarily grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for overwhelmingly supporting this bill, bringing us closer to no longer being the only state without a strangulation law," said state Rep. Janine Boyd, who introduced the legislation.

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Boyd is a Democrat from Cleveland Heights. She noted the following changes Aisha's Law would make to Ohio law:

• Expand the definition of domestic violence to include strangulation
• Create a new kind of temporary protection order for Ohioans to request
• Require police to follow a new protocol when talking to domestic violence survivors
• Increase charges for certain domestic violence crimes to the level of aggravated murder
• Changes the way police must handle cases of strangulation
• Create the Domestic Violence Drop Policy Study Committee, which would look at Ohio's domestic violence policies and protections
• Give $150,000 to the Police Officers’ Training Academy Fee for specific domestic violence training for new officers.

"Aisha’s Law will strengthen protections for survivors and provide a way out for those who are in the most deadly situations. We are one step closer to honoring Aisha’s life and light, and so many others with today’s House passage,” Boyd said.

Previous coverage:

• 'Aisha's Law' On Domestic Violence Passed Out Of Committee
• Aisha's Law Back In Ohio House Justice Committee
• Aisha's Law: Bill Named For Killed Ohio Teacher Moves Forward