To amend sections 1306.20, 2913.01, 2913.02, 2913.43, 2913.49, 2913.61, 3307.01, 3333.28, 4729.12, 4729.13, 4729.15, 4731.36, 4743.04, 5902.02, 5903.03, 5903.10, 5903.11, 5903.12, 5903.121, 5907.01, and 5907.04 and to enact sections 2305.112, 2307.611, 3333.164, 3345.42, 3345.421, 3345.422, 3345.423, 3345.424, 5903.01, 5903.04, 5903.05, and 5903.15 of the Revised Code to require state institutions of higher education to award credit for military training, to increase penalties for certain theft, deception, and identity fraud offenses when the victim is an active duty service member, to allow for a civil action for victims of identity fraud, to make other changes regarding state support and benefits for veterans and their spouses, and to clarify membership in the State Teachers Retirement System.

SECTION 1.  That sections 1306.20, 2913.01, 2913.02, 2913.43, 2913.49, 2913.61, 3307.01, 3333.28, 4729.12, 4729.13, 4729.15, 4731.36, 4743.04, 5902.02, 5903.03, 5903.10, 5903.11, 5903.12, 5903.121, 5907.01, and 5907.04 be amended and sections 2305.112, 2307.611, 3333.164, 3345.42, 3345.421, 3345.422, 3345.423, 3345.424, 5903.01, 5903.04, 5903.05, and 5903.15 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 1306.20.  (A) Subject to section 1306.11 of the Revised Code, each state agency shall determine if, and the extent to which, it will send and receive electronic records and electronic signatures to and from other persons and otherwise create, generate, communicate, store, process, use, and rely upon electronic records and electronic signatures.

(B)(1) Subject to division (B)(2) of this section, a state agency may waive a requirement in the Revised Code, other than a requirement in sections 1306.01 to 1306.15 of the Revised Code, that relates to any of the following:

(a) The method of posting or displaying records;

(b) The manner of sending, communicating, or transmitting records;

(c) The manner of formatting records.

(2) A state agency may exercise its authority to waive a requirement under division (B)(1) of this section only if the following apply:

(a) The requirement relates to a matter over which the state agency has jurisdiction;

(b) The waiver is consistent with criteria set forth in rules adopted by the state agency. The criteria, to the extent reasonable under the circumstances, shall contain standards to facilitate the use of electronic commerce by persons under the jurisdiction of the state agency consistent with rules adopted by the department of administrative services pursuant to division (A) of section 1306.21 of the Revised Code.

(C) If a state agency creates, uses, receives, or retains electronic records, both of the following apply:

(1) Any rules adopted by a state agency relating to electronic records shall be consistent with rules adopted by the department of administrative services pursuant to division (A) of section 1306.21 of the Revised Code.

(2) Each state agency shall create, use, receive, and retain electronic records in accordance with section 149.40 of the Revised Code.

(D) If a state agency creates, uses, or receives electronic signatures, the state agency shall create, use, or receive the signatures in accordance with rules adopted by the department of administrative services pursuant to division (A) of section 1306.21 of the Revised Code.

(E)(1) To the extent a state agency retains an electronic record, the state agency may retain a record in a format that is different from the format in which the record was originally created, used, sent, or received only if it can be demonstrated that the alternative format used accurately and completely reflects the record as it was originally created, used, sent, or received.

(2) If a state agency in retaining any set of electronic records pursuant to division (E)(1) of this section alters the format of the records, the state agency shall create a certificate of authenticity for each set of records that is altered.

(3) The department of administrative services, in consultation with the state archivist, shall adopt rules in accordance with section 111.15 of the Revised Code that establish the methods for creating certificates of authenticity pursuant to division (E)(2) of this section.

(F) Whenever any rule of law requires or authorizes the filing of any information, notice, lien, or other document or record with any state agency, a filing made by an electronic record shall have the same force and effect as a filing made on paper in all cases where the state agency has authorized or agreed to such electronic filing and the filing is made in accordance with applicable rules or agreement.

(G) Nothing in sections 1306.01 to 1306.23 of the Revised Code shall be construed to require any state agency to use or permit the use of electronic records and electronic signatures.

(H)(1) Notwithstanding division (C)(1) or (D) of this section, any state agency that, prior to the effective date of this section September 14, 2000, used or permitted the use of electronic records or electronic signatures pursuant to laws enacted, rules adopted, or agency policies adopted before the effective date of this section September 14, 2000, may use or permit the use of electronic records or electronic signatures pursuant to those previously enacted laws, adopted rules, or adopted policies for a period of two years after the effective date of this section September 14, 2000.

(2) Subject to division (H)(3) of this section, after the two-year period described in division (H)(1) of this section has concluded, all state agencies that use or permit the use of electronic records or electronic signatures before the effective date of this section September 14, 2000, shall only use or permit the use of electronic records or electronic signatures consistent with rules adopted by the department of administrative services pursuant to division (A) of section 1306.21 of the Revised Code.

(3) After the two-year period described in division (H)(1) of this section has concluded, the department of administrative services may permit a state agency to use electronic records or electronic signatures that do not comply with division (H)(2) of this section, if the state agency files a written request with the department.

(I) For the purposes of this section, "state agency" means every organized body, office, or agency established by the laws of the state for the exercise of any function of state government, but does not include the general assembly, any legislative agency, the supreme court, the other courts of record in this state, or any judicial agency, or any state university identified in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, or the northeast Ohio medical university.

(J) A state university identified in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, and the northeast Ohio medical university, that uses or permits the use of electronic records or electronic signatures on the effective date of this amendment, shall, within six months after the effective date of this amendment, adopt rules in accordance with section 111.15 of the Revised Code to provide for the use or permission to use electronic records or electronic signatures. A state university identified in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, and the northeast Ohio medical university, if not using or permitting the use of electronic records or electronic signatures on the effective date of this amendment, shall adopt rules in accordance with section 111.15 of the Revised Code when it elects to begin using or permitting the use of electronic records or electronic signatures.

Sec. 2305.112.  A civil action brought pursuant to division (A) of section 2307.60 of the Revised Code when the person filing the action is injured in person or property by a violation of division (B), (D), or (E) of section 2913.49 of the Revised Code shall be commenced within five years from the date on which the identity of the offender was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

Sec. 2307.611.  A person who brings a civil action pursuant to division (A) of section 2307.60 of the Revised Code to recover damages from any person who caused injury to person or property by a violation of division (B), (D), or (E) of section 2913.49 of the Revised Code may recover damages up to five thousand dollars for each violation or three times the amount of actual damages, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney's fees.

Sec. 2913.01.  As used in this chapter, unless the context requires that a term be given a different meaning:

(A) "Deception" means knowingly deceiving another or causing another to be deceived by any false or misleading representation, by withholding information, by preventing another from acquiring information, or by any other conduct, act, or omission that creates, confirms, or perpetuates a false impression in another, including a false impression as to law, value, state of mind, or other objective or subjective fact.

(B) "Defraud" means to knowingly obtain, by deception, some benefit for oneself or another, or to knowingly cause, by deception, some detriment to another.

(C) "Deprive" means to do any of the following:

(1) Withhold property of another permanently, or for a period that appropriates a substantial portion of its value or use, or with purpose to restore it only upon payment of a reward or other consideration;

(2) Dispose of property so as to make it unlikely that the owner will recover it;

(3) Accept, use, or appropriate money, property, or services, with purpose not to give proper consideration in return for the money, property, or services, and without reasonable justification or excuse for not giving proper consideration.

(D) "Owner" means, unless the context requires a different meaning, any person, other than the actor, who is the owner of, who has possession or control of, or who has any license or interest in property or services, even though the ownership, possession, control, license, or interest is unlawful.

(E) "Services" include labor, personal services, professional services, rental services, public utility services including wireless service as defined in division (F)(1) of section 128.01 of the Revised Code, common carrier services, and food, drink, transportation, entertainment, and cable television services and, for purposes of section 2913.04 of the Revised Code, include cable services as defined in that section.

(F) "Writing" means any computer software, document, letter, memorandum, note, paper, plate, data, film, or other thing having in or upon it any written, typewritten, or printed matter, and any token, stamp, seal, credit card, badge, trademark, label, or other symbol of value, right, privilege, license, or identification.

(G) "Forge" means to fabricate or create, in whole or in part and by any means, any spurious writing, or to make, execute, alter, complete, reproduce, or otherwise purport to authenticate any writing, when the writing in fact is not authenticated by that conduct.

(H) "Utter" means to issue, publish, transfer, use, put or send into circulation, deliver, or display.

(I) "Coin machine" means any mechanical or electronic device designed to do both of the following:

(1) Receive a coin, bill, or token made for that purpose;

(2) In return for the insertion or deposit of a coin, bill, or token, automatically dispense property, provide a service, or grant a license.

(J) "Slug" means an object that, by virtue of its size, shape, composition, or other quality, is capable of being inserted or deposited in a coin machine as an improper substitute for a genuine coin, bill, or token made for that purpose.

(K) "Theft offense" means any of the following:

(1) A violation of section 2911.01, 2911.02, 2911.11, 2911.12, 2911.13, 2911.31, 2911.32, 2913.02, 2913.03, 2913.04, 2913.041, 2913.05, 2913.06, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.32, 2913.33, 2913.34, 2913.40, 2913.42, 2913.43, 2913.44, 2913.45, 2913.47, 2913.48, former section 2913.47 or 2913.48, or section 2913.51, 2915.05, or 2921.41 of the Revised Code;

(2) A violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this or any other state, or of the United States, substantially equivalent to any section listed in division (K)(1) of this section or a violation of section 2913.41, 2913.81, or 2915.06 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to July 1, 1996;

(3) An offense under an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this or any other state, or of the United States, involving robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, theft, embezzlement, wrongful conversion, forgery, counterfeiting, deceit, or fraud;

(4) A conspiracy or attempt to commit, or complicity in committing, any offense under division (K)(1), (2), or (3) of this section.

(L) "Computer services" includes, but is not limited to, the use of a computer system, computer network, computer program, data that is prepared for computer use, or data that is contained within a computer system or computer network.

(M) "Computer" means an electronic device that performs logical, arithmetic, and memory functions by the manipulation of electronic or magnetic impulses. "Computer" includes, but is not limited to, all input, output, processing, storage, computer program, or communication facilities that are connected, or related, in a computer system or network to an electronic device of that nature.

(N) "Computer system" means a computer and related devices, whether connected or unconnected, including, but not limited to, data input, output, and storage devices, data communications links, and computer programs and data that make the system capable of performing specified special purpose data processing tasks.

(O) "Computer network" means a set of related and remotely connected computers and communication facilities that includes more than one computer system that has the capability to transmit among the connected computers and communication facilities through the use of computer facilities.

(P) "Computer program" means an ordered set of data representing coded instructions or statements that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to process data.

(Q) "Computer software" means computer programs, procedures, and other documentation associated with the operation of a computer system.

(R) "Data" means a representation of information, knowledge, facts, concepts, or instructions that are being or have been prepared in a formalized manner and that are intended for use in a computer, computer system, or computer network. For purposes of section 2913.47 of the Revised Code, "data" has the additional meaning set forth in division (A) of that section.

(S) "Cable television service" means any services provided by or through the facilities of any cable television system or other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system, or any microwave or similar transmission service used in connection with any cable television system or other similar closed circuit coaxial cable communications system.

(T) "Gain access" means to approach, instruct, communicate with, store data in, retrieve data from, or otherwise make use of any resources of a computer, computer system, or computer network, or any cable service or cable system both as defined in section 2913.04 of the Revised Code.

(U) "Credit card" includes, but is not limited to, a card, code, device, or other means of access to a customer's account for the purpose of obtaining money, property, labor, or services on credit, or for initiating an electronic fund transfer at a point-of-sale terminal, an automated teller machine, or a cash dispensing machine. It also includes a county procurement card issued under section 301.29 of the Revised Code.

(V) "Electronic fund transfer" has the same meaning as in 92 Stat. 3728, 15 U.S.C.A. 1693a, as amended.

(W) "Rented property" means personal property in which the right of possession and use of the property is for a short and possibly indeterminate term in return for consideration; the rentee generally controls the duration of possession of the property, within any applicable minimum or maximum term; and the amount of consideration generally is determined by the duration of possession of the property.

(X) "Telecommunication" means the origination, emission, dissemination, transmission, or reception of data, images, signals, sounds, or other intelligence or equivalence of intelligence of any nature over any communications system by any method, including, but not limited to, a fiber optic, electronic, magnetic, optical, digital, or analog method.

(Y) "Telecommunications device" means any instrument, equipment, machine, or other device that facilitates telecommunication, including, but not limited to, a computer, computer network, computer chip, computer circuit, scanner, telephone, cellular telephone, pager, personal communications device, transponder, receiver, radio, modem, or device that enables the use of a modem.

(Z) "Telecommunications service" means the providing, allowing, facilitating, or generating of any form of telecommunication through the use of a telecommunications device over a telecommunications system.

(AA) "Counterfeit telecommunications device" means a telecommunications device that, alone or with another telecommunications device, has been altered, constructed, manufactured, or programmed to acquire, intercept, receive, or otherwise facilitate the use of a telecommunications service or information service without the authority or consent of the provider of the telecommunications service or information service. "Counterfeit telecommunications device" includes, but is not limited to, a clone telephone, clone microchip, tumbler telephone, or tumbler microchip; a wireless scanning device capable of acquiring, intercepting, receiving, or otherwise facilitating the use of telecommunications service or information service without immediate detection; or a device, equipment, hardware, or software designed for, or capable of, altering or changing the electronic serial number in a wireless telephone.

(BB)(1) "Information service" means, subject to division (BB)(2) of this section, the offering of a capability for generating, acquiring, storing, transforming, processing, retrieving, utilizing, or making available information via telecommunications, including, but not limited to, electronic publishing.

(2) "Information service" does not include any use of a capability of a type described in division (BB)(1) of this section for the management, control, or operation of a telecommunications system or the management of a telecommunications service.

(CC) "Elderly person" means a person who is sixty-five years of age or older.

(DD) "Disabled adult" means a person who is eighteen years of age or older and has some impairment of body or mind that makes the person unable to work at any substantially remunerative employment that the person otherwise would be able to perform and that will, with reasonable probability, continue for a period of at least twelve months without any present indication of recovery from the impairment, or who is eighteen years of age or older and has been certified as permanently and totally disabled by an agency of this state or the United States that has the function of so classifying persons.

(EE) "Firearm" and "dangerous ordnance" have the same meanings as in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.

(FF) "Motor vehicle" has the same meaning as in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code.

(GG) "Dangerous drug" has the same meaning as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(HH) "Drug abuse offense" has the same meaning as in section 2925.01 of the Revised Code.

(II)(1) "Computer hacking" means any of the following:

(a) Gaining access or attempting to gain access to all or part of a computer, computer system, or a computer network without express or implied authorization with the intent to defraud or with intent to commit a crime;

(b) Misusing computer or network services including, but not limited to, mail transfer programs, file transfer programs, proxy servers, and web servers by performing functions not authorized by the owner of the computer, computer system, or computer network or other person authorized to give consent. As used in this division, "misuse of computer and network services" includes, but is not limited to, the unauthorized use of any of the following:

(i) Mail transfer programs to send mail to persons other than the authorized users of that computer or computer network;

(ii) File transfer program proxy services or proxy servers to access other computers, computer systems, or computer networks;

(iii) Web servers to redirect users to other web pages or web servers.

(c)(i) Subject to division (II)(1)(c)(ii) of this section, using a group of computer programs commonly known as "port scanners" or "probes" to intentionally access any computer, computer system, or computer network without the permission of the owner of the computer, computer system, or computer network or other person authorized to give consent. The group of computer programs referred to in this division includes, but is not limited to, those computer programs that use a computer network to access a computer, computer system, or another computer network to determine any of the following: the presence or types of computers or computer systems on a network; the computer network's facilities and capabilities; the availability of computer or network services; the presence or versions of computer software including, but not limited to, operating systems, computer services, or computer contaminants; the presence of a known computer software deficiency that can be used to gain unauthorized access to a computer, computer system, or computer network; or any other information about a computer, computer system, or computer network not necessary for the normal and lawful operation of the computer initiating the access.

(ii) The group of computer programs referred to in division (II)(1)(c)(i) of this section does not include standard computer software used for the normal operation, administration, management, and test of a computer, computer system, or computer network including, but not limited to, domain name services, mail transfer services, and other operating system services, computer programs commonly called "ping," "tcpdump," and "traceroute" and other network monitoring and management computer software, and computer programs commonly known as "nslookup" and "whois" and other systems administration computer software.

(d) The intentional use of a computer, computer system, or a computer network in a manner that exceeds any right or permission granted by the owner of the computer, computer system, or computer network or other person authorized to give consent.

(2) "Computer hacking" does not include the introduction of a computer contaminant, as defined in section 2909.01 of the Revised Code, into a computer, computer system, computer program, or computer network.

(JJ) "Police dog or horse" has the same meaning as in section 2921.321 of the Revised Code.

(KK) "Anhydrous ammonia" is a compound formed by the combination of two gaseous elements, nitrogen and hydrogen, in the manner described in this division. Anhydrous ammonia is one part nitrogen to three parts hydrogen (NH3). Anhydrous ammonia by weight is fourteen parts nitrogen to three parts hydrogen, which is approximately eighty-two per cent nitrogen to eighteen per cent hydrogen.

(LL) "Assistance dog" has the same meaning as in section 955.011 of the Revised Code.

(MM) "Federally licensed firearms dealer" has the same meaning as in section 5502.63 of the Revised Code.

(NN) "Active duty service member" means any member of the armed forces of the United States performing active duty under title 10 of the United States Code.

Sec. 2913.02.  (A) No person, with purpose to deprive the owner of property or services, shall knowingly obtain or exert control over either the property or services in any of the following ways:

(1) Without the consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent;

(2) Beyond the scope of the express or implied consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent;

(3) By deception;

(4) By threat;

(5) By intimidation.

(B)(1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of theft.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this division or division (B)(3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), or (9) of this section, a violation of this section is petty theft, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the value of the property or services stolen is one thousand dollars or more and is less than seven thousand five hundred dollars or if the property stolen is any of the property listed in section 2913.71 of the Revised Code, a violation of this section is theft, a felony of the fifth degree. If the value of the property or services stolen is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and is less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, a violation of this section is grand theft, a felony of the fourth degree. If the value of the property or services stolen is one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more and is less than seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, a violation of this section is aggravated theft, a felony of the third degree. If the value of the property or services is seven hundred fifty thousand dollars or more and is less than one million five hundred thousand dollars, a violation of this section is aggravated theft, a felony of the second degree. If the value of the property or services stolen is one million five hundred thousand dollars or more, a violation of this section is aggravated theft of one million five hundred thousand dollars or more, a felony of the first degree.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in division (B)(4), (5), (6), (7), (8), or (9) of this section, if the victim of the offense is an elderly person or, disabled adult, active duty service member, or spouse of an active duty service member, a violation of this section is theft from an elderly a person or disabled adult in a protected class, and division (B)(3) of this section applies. Except as otherwise provided in this division, theft from an elderly a person or disabled adult in a protected class is a felony of the fifth degree. If the value of the property or services stolen is one thousand dollars or more and is less than seven thousand five hundred dollars, theft from an elderly a person or disabled adult in a protected class is a felony of the fourth degree. If the value of the property or services stolen is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and is less than thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars, theft from an elderly a person or disabled adult in a protected class is a felony of the third degree. If the value of the property or services stolen is thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and is less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, theft from an elderly a person or disabled adult in a protected class is a felony of the second degree. If the value of the property or services stolen is one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, theft from an elderly a person or disabled adult in a protected class is a felony of the first degree.

(4) If the property stolen is a firearm or dangerous ordnance, a violation of this section is grand theft. Except as otherwise provided in this division, grand theft when the property stolen is a firearm or dangerous ordnance is a felony of the third degree, and there is a presumption in favor of the court imposing a prison term for the offense. If the firearm or dangerous ordnance was stolen from a federally licensed firearms dealer, grand theft when the property stolen is a firearm or dangerous ordnance is a felony of the first degree. The offender shall serve a prison term imposed for grand theft when the property stolen is a firearm or dangerous ordnance consecutively to any other prison term or mandatory prison term previously or subsequently imposed upon the offender.

(5) If the property stolen is a motor vehicle, a violation of this section is grand theft of a motor vehicle, a felony of the fourth degree.

(6) If the property stolen is any dangerous drug, a violation of this section is theft of drugs, a felony of the fourth degree, or, if the offender previously has been convicted of a felony drug abuse offense, a felony of the third degree.

(7) If the property stolen is a police dog or horse or an assistance dog and the offender knows or should know that the property stolen is a police dog or horse or an assistance dog, a violation of this section is theft of a police dog or horse or an assistance dog, a felony of the third degree.

(8) If the property stolen is anhydrous ammonia, a violation of this section is theft of anhydrous ammonia, a felony of the third degree.

(9) Except as provided in division (B)(2) of this section with respect to property with a value of seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and division (B)(3) of this section with respect to property with a value of one thousand dollars or more, if the property stolen is a special purpose article as defined in section 4737.04 of the Revised Code or is a bulk merchandise container as defined in section 4737.012 of the Revised Code, a violation of this section is theft of a special purpose article or articles or theft of a bulk merchandise container or containers, a felony of the fifth degree.

(10) In addition to the penalties described in division (B)(2) of this section, if the offender committed the violation by causing a motor vehicle to leave the premises of an establishment at which gasoline is offered for retail sale without the offender making full payment for gasoline that was dispensed into the fuel tank of the motor vehicle or into another container, the court may do one of the following:

(a) Unless division (B)(10)(b) of this section applies, suspend for not more than six months the offender's driver's license, probationary driver's license, commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or nonresident operating privilege;

(b) If the offender's driver's license, probationary driver's license, commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or nonresident operating privilege has previously been suspended pursuant to division (B)(10)(a) of this section, impose a class seven suspension of the offender's license, permit, or privilege from the range specified in division (A)(7) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code, provided that the suspension shall be for at least six months.

(c) The court, in lieu of suspending the offender's driver's or commercial driver's license, probationary driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or nonresident operating privilege pursuant to division (B)(10)(a) or (b) of this section, instead may require the offender to perform community service for a number of hours determined by the court.

(11) In addition to the penalties described in division (B)(2) of this section, if the offender committed the violation by stealing rented property or rental services, the court may order that the offender make restitution pursuant to section 2929.18 or 2929.28 of the Revised Code. Restitution may include, but is not limited to, the cost of repairing or replacing the stolen property, or the cost of repairing the stolen property and any loss of revenue resulting from deprivation of the property due to theft of rental services that is less than or equal to the actual value of the property at the time it was rented. Evidence of intent to commit theft of rented property or rental services shall be determined pursuant to the provisions of section 2913.72 of the Revised Code.

(C) The sentencing court that suspends an offender's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege under division (B)(10) of this section may grant the offender limited driving privileges during the period of the suspension in accordance with Chapter 4510. of the Revised Code.

Sec. 2913.43.  (A) No person, by deception, shall cause another to execute any writing that disposes of or encumbers property, or by which a pecuniary obligation is incurred.

(B)(1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of securing writings by deception.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this division or division (B)(3) of this section, securing writings by deception is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the value of the property or the obligation involved is one thousand dollars or more and less than seven thousand five hundred dollars, securing writings by deception is a felony of the fifth degree. If the value of the property or the obligation involved is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and is less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, securing writings by deception is a felony of the fourth degree. If the value of the property or the obligation involved is one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, securing writings by deception is a felony of the third degree.

(3) If the victim of the offense is an elderly person or, disabled adult, active duty service member, or spouse of an active duty service member, division (B)(3) of this section applies. Except as otherwise provided in division (B)(3) of this section, securing writings by deception is a felony of the fifth degree. If the value of the property or obligation involved is one thousand dollars or more and is less than seven thousand five hundred dollars, securing writings by deception is a felony of the fourth degree. If the value of the property or obligation involved is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and is less than thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars, securing writings by deception is a felony of the third degree. If the value of the property or obligation involved is thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars or more, securing writings by deception is a felony of the second degree.

Sec. 2913.49.  (A) As used in this section, "personal identifying information" includes, but is not limited to, the following: the name, address, telephone number, driver's license, driver's license number, commercial driver's license, commercial driver's license number, state identification card, state identification card number, social security card, social security number, birth certificate, place of employment, employee identification number, mother's maiden name, demand deposit account number, savings account number, money market account number, mutual fund account number, other financial account number, personal identification number, password, or credit card number of a living or dead individual.

(B) No person, without the express or implied consent of the other person, shall use, obtain, or possess any personal identifying information of another person with intent to do either of the following:

(1) Hold the person out to be the other person;

(2) Represent the other person's personal identifying information as the person's own personal identifying information.

(C) No person shall create, obtain, possess, or use the personal identifying information of any person with the intent to aid or abet another person in violating division (B) of this section.

(D) No person, with intent to defraud, shall permit another person to use the person's own personal identifying information.

(E) No person who is permitted to use another person's personal identifying information as described in division (D) of this section shall use, obtain, or possess the other person's personal identifying information with intent to defraud any person by doing any act identified in division (B)(1) or (2) of this section.

(F)(1) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under division (B) of this section that the person using the personal identifying information is acting in accordance with a legally recognized guardianship or conservatorship or as a trustee or fiduciary.

(2) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under division (B), (C), (D), or (E) of this section that either of the following applies:

(a) The person or entity using, obtaining, possessing, or creating the personal identifying information or permitting it to be used is a law enforcement agency, authorized fraud personnel, or a representative of or attorney for a law enforcement agency or authorized fraud personnel and is using, obtaining, possessing, or creating the personal identifying information or permitting it to be used, with prior consent given as specified in this division, in a bona fide investigation, an information security evaluation, a pretext calling evaluation, or a similar matter. The prior consent required under this division shall be given by the person whose personal identifying information is being used, obtained, possessed, or created or is being permitted to be used or, if the person whose personal identifying information is being used, obtained, possessed, or created or is being permitted to be used is deceased, by that deceased person's executor, or a member of that deceased person's family, or that deceased person's attorney. The prior consent required under this division may be given orally or in writing by the person whose personal identifying information is being used, obtained, possessed, or created or is being permitted to be used or that person's executor, or family member, or attorney.

(b) The personal identifying information was obtained, possessed, used, created, or permitted to be used for a lawful purpose, provided that division (F)(2)(b) of this section does not apply if the person or entity using, obtaining, possessing, or creating the personal identifying information or permitting it to be used is a law enforcement agency, authorized fraud personnel, or a representative of or attorney for a law enforcement agency or authorized fraud personnel that is using, obtaining, possessing, or creating the personal identifying information or permitting it to be used in an investigation, an information security evaluation, a pretext calling evaluation, or similar matter.

(G) It is not a defense to a charge under this section that the person whose personal identifying information was obtained, possessed, used, created, or permitted to be used was deceased at the time of the offense.

(H)(1) If an offender commits a violation of division (B), (D), or (E) of this section and the violation occurs as part of a course of conduct involving other violations of division (B), (D), or (E) of this section or violations of, attempts to violate, conspiracies to violate, or complicity in violations of division (C) of this section or section 2913.02, 2913.04, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.42, 2913.43, or 2921.13 of the Revised Code, the court, in determining the degree of the offense pursuant to division (I) of this section, may aggregate all credit, property, or services obtained or sought to be obtained by the offender and all debts or other legal obligations avoided or sought to be avoided by the offender in the violations involved in that course of conduct. The course of conduct may involve one victim or more than one victim.

(2) If an offender commits a violation of division (C) of this section and the violation occurs as part of a course of conduct involving other violations of division (C) of this section or violations of, attempts to violate, conspiracies to violate, or complicity in violations of division (B), (D), or (E) of this section or section 2913.02, 2913.04, 2913.11, 2913.21, 2913.31, 2913.42, 2913.43, or 2921.13 of the Revised Code, the court, in determining the degree of the offense pursuant to division (I) of this section, may aggregate all credit, property, or services obtained or sought to be obtained by the person aided or abetted and all debts or other legal obligations avoided or sought to be avoided by the person aided or abetted in the violations involved in that course of conduct. The course of conduct may involve one victim or more than one victim.

(I)(1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of identity fraud.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this division or division (I)(3) of this section, identity fraud is a felony of the fifth degree. If the value of the credit, property, services, debt, or other legal obligation involved in the violation or course of conduct is one thousand dollars or more and is less than seven thousand five hundred dollars, except as otherwise provided in division (I)(3) of this section, identity fraud is a felony of the fourth degree. If the value of the credit, property, services, debt, or other legal obligation involved in the violation or course of conduct is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and is less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, except as otherwise provided in division (I)(3) of this section, identity fraud is a felony of the third degree. If the value of the credit, property, services, debt, or other legal obligation involved in the violation or course of conduct is one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, except as otherwise provided in division (I)(3) of this section, identity fraud is a felony of the second degree.

(3) If the victim of the offense is an elderly person or, disabled adult, active duty service member, or spouse of an active duty service member, a violation of this section is identity fraud against an elderly a person or disabled adult in a protected class. Except as otherwise provided in this division, identity fraud against an elderly a person or disabled adult in a protected class is a felony of the fifth fourth degree. If the value of the credit, property, services, debt, or other legal obligation involved in the violation or course of conduct is one thousand dollars or more and is less than seven thousand five hundred dollars, identity fraud against an elderly a person or disabled adult in a protected class is a felony of the third degree. If the value of the credit, property, services, debt, or other legal obligation involved in the violation or course of conduct is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and is less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, identity fraud against an elderly a person or disabled adult in a protected class is a felony of the second degree. If the value of the credit, property, services, debt, or other legal obligation involved in the violation or course of conduct is one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, identity fraud against an elderly a person or disabled adult in a protected class is a felony of the first degree.

(J) In addition to the penalties described in division (I) of this section, anyone injured in person or property by a violation of division (B), (D), or (E) of this section who is the owner of the identifying information involved in that violation has a civil action against the offender pursuant to section 2307.60 of the Revised Code. That person may also bring a civil action to enjoin or restrain future acts that would constitute a violation of division (B), (D), or (E) of this section.

Sec. 2913.61.  (A) When a person is charged with a theft offense, or with a violation of division (A)(1) of section 1716.14 of the Revised Code involving a victim who is an elderly person or disabled adult that involves property or services valued at one thousand dollars or more, property or services valued at one thousand dollars or more and less than seven thousand five hundred dollars, property or services valued at one thousand five hundred dollars or more and less than seven thousand five hundred dollars, property or services valued at seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and less than thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars, property or services valued at seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, property or services valued at thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, property or services valued at thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars or more, property or services valued at one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, property or services valued at one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more and less than seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, property or services valued at seven hundred fifty thousand dollars or more and less than one million five hundred thousand dollars, or property or services valued at one million five hundred thousand dollars or more, the jury or court trying the accused shall determine the value of the property or services as of the time of the offense and, if a guilty verdict is returned, shall return the finding of value as part of the verdict. In any case in which the jury or court determines that the value of the property or services at the time of the offense was one thousand dollars or more, it is unnecessary to find and return the exact value, and it is sufficient if the finding and return is to the effect that the value of the property or services involved was one thousand dollars or more, was one thousand dollars or more and less than seven thousand five hundred dollars, was one thousand five hundred dollars or more and less than seven thousand five hundred dollars, was seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and less than thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars, was seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and less than thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars, was seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, was thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, was thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, was one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, was one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more and less than seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, was seven hundred fifty thousand dollars or more and less than one million five hundred thousand dollars, or was one million five hundred thousand dollars or more, whichever is relevant regarding the offense.

(B) If more than one item of property or services is involved in a theft offense or in a violation of division (A)(1) of section 1716.14 of the Revised Code involving a victim who is an elderly person or disabled adult, the value of the property or services involved for the purpose of determining the value as required by division (A) of this section is the aggregate value of all property or services involved in the offense.

(C)(1) When a series of offenses under section 2913.02 of the Revised Code, or a series of violations of, attempts to commit a violation of, conspiracies to violate, or complicity in violations of division (A)(1) of section 1716.14, section 2913.02, 2913.03, or 2913.04, division (B)(1) or (2) of section 2913.21, or section 2913.31 or 2913.43 of the Revised Code involving a victim who is an elderly person or disabled adult, is committed by the offender in the offender's same employment, capacity, or relationship to another, all of those offenses shall be tried as a single offense. When a series of offenses under section 2913.02 of the Revised Code, or a series of violations of, attempts to commit a violation of, conspiracies to violate, or complicity in violations of section 2913.02 or 2913.43 of the Revised Code involving a victim who is an active duty service member or spouse of an active duty service member is committed by the offender in the offender's same employment, capacity, or relationship to another, all of those offenses shall be tried as a single offense. The value of the property or services involved in the series of offenses for the purpose of determining the value as required by division (A) of this section is the aggregate value of all property and services involved in all offenses in the series.

(2) If an offender commits a series of offenses under section 2913.02 of the Revised Code that involves a common course of conduct to defraud multiple victims, all of the offenses may be tried as a single offense. If an offender is being tried for the commission of a series of violations of, attempts to commit a violation of, conspiracies to violate, or complicity in violations of division (A)(1) of section 1716.14, section 2913.02, 2913.03, or 2913.04, division (B)(1) or (2) of section 2913.21, or section 2913.31 or 2913.43 of the Revised Code, whether committed against one victim or more than one victim, involving a victim who is an elderly person or disabled adult, pursuant to a scheme or course of conduct, all of those offenses may be tried as a single offense. If an offender is being tried for the commission of a series of violations of, attempts to commit a violation of, conspiracies to violate, or complicity in violations of section 2913.02 or 2913.43 of the Revised Code, whether committed against one victim or more than one victim, involving a victim who is an active duty service member or spouse of an active duty service member pursuant to a scheme or course of conduct, all of those offenses may be tried as a single offense. If the offenses are tried as a single offense, the value of the property or services involved for the purpose of determining the value as required by division (A) of this section is the aggregate value of all property and services involved in all of the offenses in the course of conduct.

(3) When a series of two or more offenses under section 2913.40, 2913.48, or 2921.41 of the Revised Code is committed by the offender in the offender's same employment, capacity, or relationship to another, all of those offenses may be tried as a single offense. If the offenses are tried as a single offense, the value of the property or services involved for the purpose of determining the value as required by division (A) of this section is the aggregate value of all property and services involved in all of the offenses in the series of two or more offenses.

(4) In prosecuting a single offense under division (C)(1), (2), or (3) of this section, it is not necessary to separately allege and prove each offense in the series. Rather, it is sufficient to allege and prove that the offender, within a given span of time, committed one or more theft offenses or violations of section 2913.40, 2913.48, or 2921.41 of the Revised Code in the offender's same employment, capacity, or relationship to another as described in division (C)(1) or (3) of this section, or committed one or more theft offenses that involve a common course of conduct to defraud multiple victims or a scheme or course of conduct as described in division (C)(2) of this section. While it is not necessary to separately allege and prove each offense in the series in order to prosecute a single offense under division (C)(1), (2), or (3) of this section, it remains necessary in prosecuting them as a single offense to prove the aggregate value of the property or services in order to meet the requisite statutory offense level sought by the prosecution.

(D) The following criteria shall be used in determining the value of property or services involved in a theft offense:

(1) The value of an heirloom, memento, collector's item, antique, museum piece, manuscript, document, record, or other thing that has intrinsic worth to its owner and that either is irreplaceable or is replaceable only on the expenditure of substantial time, effort, or money, is the amount that would compensate the owner for its loss.

(2) The value of personal effects and household goods, and of materials, supplies, equipment, and fixtures used in the profession, business, trade, occupation, or avocation of its owner, which property is not covered under division (D)(1) of this section and which retains substantial utility for its purpose regardless of its age or condition, is the cost of replacing the property with new property of like kind and quality.

(3) The value of any real or personal property that is not covered under division (D)(1) or (2) of this section, and the value of services, is the fair market value of the property or services. As used in this section, "fair market value" is the money consideration that a buyer would give and a seller would accept for property or services, assuming that the buyer is willing to buy and the seller is willing to sell, that both are fully informed as to all facts material to the transaction, and that neither is under any compulsion to act.

(E) Without limitation on the evidence that may be used to establish the value of property or services involved in a theft offense:

(1) When the property involved is personal property held for sale at wholesale or retail, the price at which the property was held for sale is prima-facie evidence of its value.

(2) When the property involved is a security or commodity traded on an exchange, the closing price or, if there is no closing price, the asked price, given in the latest market quotation prior to the offense is prima-facie evidence of the value of the security or commodity.

(3) When the property involved is livestock, poultry, or raw agricultural products for which a local market price is available, the latest local market price prior to the offense is prima-facie evidence of the value of the livestock, poultry, or products.

(4) When the property involved is a negotiable instrument, the face value is prima-facie evidence of the value of the instrument.

(5) When the property involved is a warehouse receipt, bill of lading, pawn ticket, claim check, or other instrument entitling the holder or bearer to receive property, the face value or, if there is no face value, the value of the property covered by the instrument less any payment necessary to receive the property is prima-facie evidence of the value of the instrument.

(6) When the property involved is a ticket of admission, ticket for transportation, coupon, token, or other instrument entitling the holder or bearer to receive property or services, the face value or, if there is no face value, the value of the property or services that may be received by the instrument is prima-facie evidence of the value of the instrument.

(7) When the services involved are gas, electricity, water, telephone, transportation, shipping, or other services for which the rate is established by law, the duly established rate is prima-facie evidence of the value of the services.

(8) When the services involved are services for which the rate is not established by law, and the offender has been notified prior to the offense of the rate for the services, either in writing, orally, or by posting in a manner reasonably calculated to come to the attention of potential offenders, the rate contained in the notice is prima-facie evidence of the value of the services.

Sec. 3307.01.  As used in this chapter:

(A) "Employer" means the board of education, school district, governing authority of any community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, college, university, institution, or other agency within the state by which a teacher is employed and paid.

(B)(1) "Teacher" means all of the following:

(a) Any person paid from public funds and employed in the public schools of the state under any type of contract described in section 3311.77 or 3319.08 of the Revised Code in a position for which the person is required to have a license issued pursuant to sections 3319.22 to 3319.31 of the Revised Code;

(b) Any person employed as a teacher by a community school or a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school pursuant to Chapter 3314. or 3326. of the Revised Code;

(c) Any person having a license issued pursuant to sections 3319.22 to 3319.31 of the Revised Code and employed in a public school in this state in an educational position, as determined by the state board of education, under programs provided for by federal acts or regulations and financed in whole or in part from federal funds, but for which no licensure requirements for the position can be made under the provisions of such federal acts or regulations;

(d) Any other teacher or faculty member employed in any school, college, university, institution, or other agency wholly controlled and managed, and supported in whole or in part, by the state or any political subdivision thereof, including Central state university, Cleveland state university, and the university of Toledo;

(e) The educational employees of the department of education, as determined by the state superintendent of public instruction.

In all cases of doubt, the state teachers retirement board shall determine whether any person is a teacher, and its decision shall be final.

(2) "Teacher" does not include either of the following:

(a) Any any eligible employee of a public institution of higher education, as defined in section 3305.01 of the Revised Code, who elects to participate in an alternative retirement plan established under Chapter 3305. of the Revised Code;

(b) Any person having a license issued pursuant to sections 3319.22 to 3319.31 of the Revised Code and performing services that are funded under section 3317.06 of the Revised Code and provided to students attending nonpublic schools, without regard to whether the services are performed in a public school and whether the person is employed under a contract with a third party.

(C) "Member" means any person included in the membership of the state teachers retirement system, which shall consist of all teachers and contributors as defined in divisions (B) and (D) of this section and all disability benefit recipients, as defined in section 3307.50 of the Revised Code. However, for purposes of this chapter, the following persons shall not be considered members:

(1) A student, intern, or resident who is not a member while employed part-time by a school, college, or university at which the student, intern, or resident is regularly attending classes;

(2) A person denied membership pursuant to section 3307.24 of the Revised Code;

(3) An other system retirant, as defined in section 3307.35 of the Revised Code, or a superannuate;

(4) An individual employed in a program established pursuant to the "Job Training Partnership Act," 96 Stat. 1322 (1982), 29 U.S.C.A. 1501;

(5) The surviving spouse of a member or retirant if the surviving spouse's only connection to the retirement system is an account in an STRS defined contribution plan.

(D) "Contributor" means any person who has an account in the teachers' savings fund or defined contribution fund, except that "contributor" does not mean a member or retirant's surviving spouse with an account in an STRS defined contribution plan.

(E) "Beneficiary" means any person eligible to receive, or in receipt of, a retirement allowance or other benefit provided by this chapter.

(F) "Year" means the year beginning the first day of July and ending with the thirtieth day of June next following, except that for the purpose of determining final average salary under the plan described in sections 3307.50 to 3307.79 of the Revised Code, "year" may mean the contract year.

(G) "Local district pension system" means any school teachers pension fund created in any school district of the state in accordance with the laws of the state prior to September 1, 1920.

(H) "Employer contribution" means the amount paid by an employer, as determined by the employer rate, including the normal and deficiency rates, contributions, and funds wherever used in this chapter.

(I) "Five years of service credit" means employment covered under this chapter and employment covered under a former retirement plan operated, recognized, or endorsed by a college, institute, university, or political subdivision of this state prior to coverage under this chapter.

(J) "Actuary" means an actuarial professional contracted with or employed by the state teachers retirement board, who shall be either of the following:

(1) A member of the American academy of actuaries;

(2) A firm, partnership, or corporation of which at least one person is a member of the American academy of actuaries.

(K) "Fiduciary" means a person who does any of the following:

(1) Exercises any discretionary authority or control with respect to the management of the system, or with respect to the management or disposition of its assets;

(2) Renders investment advice for a fee, direct or indirect, with respect to money or property of the system;

(3) Has any discretionary authority or responsibility in the administration of the system.

(L)(1) Except as provided in this division, "compensation" means all salary, wages, and other earnings paid to a teacher by reason of the teacher's employment, including compensation paid pursuant to a supplemental contract. The salary, wages, and other earnings shall be determined prior to determination of the amount required to be contributed to the teachers' savings fund or defined contribution fund under section 3307.26 of the Revised Code and without regard to whether any of the salary, wages, or other earnings are treated as deferred income for federal income tax purposes.

(2) Compensation does not include any of the following:

(a) Payments for accrued but unused sick leave or personal leave, including payments made under a plan established pursuant to section 124.39 of the Revised Code or any other plan established by the employer;

(b) Payments made for accrued but unused vacation leave, including payments made pursuant to section 124.13 of the Revised Code or a plan established by the employer;

(c) Payments made for vacation pay covering concurrent periods for which other salary, compensation, or benefits under this chapter or Chapter 145. or 3309. of the Revised Code are paid;

(d) Amounts paid by the employer to provide life insurance, sickness, accident, endowment, health, medical, hospital, dental, or surgical coverage, or other insurance for the teacher or the teacher's family, or amounts paid by the employer to the teacher in lieu of providing the insurance;

(e) Incidental benefits, including lodging, food, laundry, parking, or services furnished by the employer, use of the employer's property or equipment, and reimbursement for job-related expenses authorized by the employer, including moving and travel expenses and expenses related to professional development;

(f) Payments made by the employer in exchange for a member's waiver of a right to receive any payment, amount, or benefit described in division (L)(2) of this section;

(g) Payments by the employer for services not actually rendered;

(h) Any amount paid by the employer as a retroactive increase in salary, wages, or other earnings, unless the increase is one of the following:

(i) A retroactive increase paid to a member employed by a school district board of education in a position that requires a license designated for teaching and not designated for being an administrator issued under section 3319.22 of the Revised Code that is paid in accordance with uniform criteria applicable to all members employed by the board in positions requiring the licenses;

(ii) A retroactive increase paid to a member employed by a school district board of education in a position that requires a license designated for being an administrator issued under section 3319.22 of the Revised Code that is paid in accordance with uniform criteria applicable to all members employed by the board in positions requiring the licenses;

(iii) A retroactive increase paid to a member employed by a school district board of education as a superintendent that is also paid as described in division (L)(2)(h)(i) of this section;

(iv) A retroactive increase paid to a member employed by an employer other than a school district board of education in accordance with uniform criteria applicable to all members employed by the employer.

(i) Payments made to or on behalf of a teacher that are in excess of the annual compensation that may be taken into account by the retirement system under division (a)(17) of section 401 of the "Internal Revenue Code of 1986," 100 Stat. 2085, 26 U.S.C.A. 401(a)(17), as amended. For a teacher who first establishes membership before July 1, 1996, the annual compensation that may be taken into account by the retirement system shall be determined under division (d)(3) of section 13212 of the "Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993," Pub. L. No. 103-66, 107 Stat. 472.

(j) Payments made under division (B), (C), or (E) of section 5923.05 of the Revised Code, Section 4 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 3 of the 119th general assembly, Section 3 of Amended Substitute Senate Bill No. 164 of the 124th general assembly, or Amended Substitute House Bill No. 405 of the 124th general assembly;

(k) Anything of value received by the teacher that is based on or attributable to retirement or an agreement to retire;

(l) Any amount paid by the employer as a retroactive payment of earnings, damages, or back pay pursuant to a court order, court-adopted settlement agreement, or other settlement agreement, unless the retirement system receives both of the following:

(i) Teacher and employer contributions under sections 3307.26 and 3307.28 of the Revised Code, plus interest compounded annually at a rate determined by the board, for each year or portion of a year for which amounts are paid under the order or agreement;

(ii) Teacher and employer contributions under sections 3307.26 and 3307.28 of the Revised Code, plus interest compounded annually at a rate determined by the board, for each year or portion of a year not subject to division (L)(2)(l)(i) of this section for which the board determines the teacher was improperly paid, regardless of the teacher's ability to recover on such amounts improperly paid.

(3) The retirement board shall determine both of the following:

(a) Whether particular forms of earnings are included in any of the categories enumerated in this division;

(b) Whether any form of earnings not enumerated in this division is to be included in compensation.

Decisions of the board made under this division shall be final.

(M) "Superannuate" means both of the following:

(1) A former teacher receiving from the system a retirement allowance under section 3307.58 or 3307.59 of the Revised Code;

(2) A former teacher receiving a benefit from the system under a plan established under section 3307.81 of the Revised Code, except that "superannuate" does not include a former teacher who is receiving a benefit based on disability under a plan established under section 3307.81 of the Revised Code.

For purposes of sections 3307.35 and 3307.353 of the Revised Code, "superannuate" also means a former teacher receiving from the system a combined service retirement benefit paid in accordance with section 3307.57 of the Revised Code, regardless of which retirement system is paying the benefit.

(N) "STRS defined benefit plan" means the plan described in sections 3307.50 to 3307.79 of the Revised Code.

(O) "STRS defined contribution plan" means the plans established under section 3307.81 of the Revised Code and includes the STRS combined plan under that section.

Sec. 3333.164. (A) As used in this section, "state institution of higher education" has the same meaning as in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code.

(B) Not later than December 31, 2014, the chancellor of the Ohio board of regents shall do all of the following with regard to the awarding of college credit for military training, experience, and coursework:

(1) Develop a set of standards and procedures for state institutions of higher education to utilize in the granting of college credit for military training, experience, and coursework;

(2) Create a military articulation and transfer assurance guide for college credit that is earned through military training, experience, and coursework. The chancellor shall use the current articulation and transfer policy adopted pursuant to section 3333.16 of the Revised Code as a model in developing this guide.

(3) Create a web site that contains information related to the awarding of college credit for military training, experience, and coursework. The web site shall include both of the following:

(a) Standardized resources that address frequently asked questions regarding the awarding of such credit and related issues;

(b) A statewide database that shows how specified military training, experience, and coursework translates to college credit.

(4) Develop a statewide training program that prepares faculty and staff of state institutions of higher education to evaluate various military training, experience, and coursework and to award appropriate equivalent credit. The training program shall incorporate the best practices of awarding credit for military experiences, including both the recommendations of the American council on education and the standards developed by the council for adult and experiential learning.

(C) Beginning on July 1, 2015, state institutions of higher education shall ensure that appropriate equivalent credit is awarded for military training, experience, and coursework that meet the standards developed by the chancellor pursuant to this section.

Sec. 3333.28.  (A) The chancellor of the Ohio board of regents shall establish the nurse education assistance program, the purpose of which shall be to make loans to students enrolled in prelicensure nurse education programs at institutions approved by the board of nursing under section 4723.06 of the Revised Code and postlicensure nurse education programs approved by the chancellor under section 3333.04 of the Revised Code or offered by an institution holding a certificate of authorization issued under Chapter 1713. of the Revised Code. The board of nursing shall assist the chancellor in administering the program.

(B) There is hereby created in the state treasury the nurse education assistance fund, which shall consist of all money transferred to it pursuant to section 4743.05 of the Revised Code. The fund shall be used by the chancellor for loans made under division (A) of this section and for expenses of administering the loan program.

(C) Between July 1, 2005, and January 1, 2012, the chancellor shall distribute money in the nurse education assistance fund in the following manner:

(1)(a) Fifty per cent of available funds shall be awarded as loans to registered nurses enrolled in postlicensure nurse education programs described in division (A) of this section. To be eligible for a loan, the applicant shall provide the chancellor with a letter of intent to practice as a faculty member at a prelicensure or postlicensure program for nursing in this state upon completion of the applicant's academic program.

(b) If the borrower of a loan under division (C)(1)(a) of this section secures employment as a faculty member of an approved nursing education program in this state within six months following graduation from an approved nurse education program, the chancellor may forgive the principal and interest of the student's loans received under division (C)(1)(a) of this section at a rate of twenty-five per cent per year, for a maximum of four years, for each year in which the borrower is so employed. A deferment of the service obligation, and other conditions regarding the forgiveness of loans may be granted as provided by the rules adopted under division (D)(7) of this section.

(c) Loans awarded under division (C)(1)(a) of this section shall be awarded on the basis of the student's expected family contribution, with preference given to those applicants with the lowest expected family contribution. However, the chancellor may consider other factors the chancellor determines relevant in ranking the applications.

(d) Each loan awarded to a student under division (C)(1)(a) of this section shall be not less than five thousand dollars per year.

(2) Twenty-five per cent of available funds shall be awarded to students enrolled in prelicensure nurse education programs for registered nurses, as defined in section 4723.01 of the Revised Code.

(3) Twenty-five per cent of available funds shall be awarded to students enrolled in nurse education programs as determined by the chancellor, with preference given to programs aimed at increasing enrollment in an area of need.

After January 1, 2012, the chancellor shall determine the manner in which to distribute loans under this section.

(D) Subject to the requirements specified in division (C) of this section, the chancellor shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing:

(1) Eligibility criteria for receipt of a loan;

(2) Loan application procedures;

(3) The amounts in which loans may be made and the total amount that may be loaned to an individual;

(4) The total amount of loans that can be made each year;

(5) The percentage of the money in the fund that must remain in the fund at all times as a fund balance;

(6) Interest and principal repayment schedules;

(7) Conditions under which a portion of principal and interest obligations incurred by an individual under the program will be forgiven;

(8) Conditions under which all or a portion of the principal and interest obligations incurred by an individual who is deployed on active duty outside of the state or who is the spouse of a person deployed on active duty outside of the state may be deferred or forgiven.

(9) Ways that the program may be used to encourage individuals who are members of minority groups to enter the nursing profession;

(9)(10) Any other matters incidental to the operation of the program.

(E) The obligation to repay a portion of the principal and interest on a loan made under this section shall be forgiven if the recipient of the loan meets the criteria for forgiveness established by division (C)(1)(b) of this section, in the case of loans awarded under division (C)(1)(a) of this section, or by the chancellor under the rule adopted under division (D)(7) of this section, in the case of other loans awarded under this section.

(F) The obligation to repay all or a portion of the principal and interest on a loan made under this section may be deferred or forgiven if the recipient of the loan meets the criteria for deferment or forgiveness established by the chancellor under the rule adopted under division (D)(8) of this section.

(G) The receipt of a loan under this section shall not affect a student's eligibility for assistance, or the amount of that assistance, granted under section 3333.12, 3333.122, 3333.22, 3333.26, 5910.03, 5910.032, or 5919.34 of the Revised Code, but the rules of the chancellor may provide for taking assistance received under those sections into consideration when determining a student's eligibility for a loan under this section.

(H) As used in this section, "active duty" means active duty pursuant to an executive order of the president of the United States, an act of the congress of the United States, or section 5919.29 or 5923.21 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 3345.42.  As used in sections 3345.421, 3345.422, 3345.423, and 3345.424 of the Revised Code:

"Service member" means a person who is serving in the armed forces of the United States.

"Veteran" means any person who has completed service in the armed forces, including the national guard of any state or a reserve component of the armed forces, and who has been discharged under honorable conditions from the armed forces or who has been transferred to the reserve with evidence of satisfactory service.

Sec. 3345.421. Not later than December 31, 2014, the board of trustees of each state institution of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, shall do all of the following:

(A) Designate at least one person employed by the institution to serve as the contact person for veterans and service member affairs. Such a person shall assist and advise veterans and service members on issues related to earning college credit for military training, experience, and coursework.

(B) Adopt a policy regarding the support and assistance the institution will provide to veterans and service members.

(C) Allow for the establishment of a student-led group on campus for student service members and veterans and encourage other service member- and veteran-friendly organizations.

(D) Integrate existing career services to create and encourage meaningful collaborative relationships between student service members and veterans and alumni of the institution, that links student service members and veterans with prospective employers, and that provides student service members and veterans with social opportunities; and, if the institution has career services programs, encourage the responsible office to seek and promote partnership opportunities for internships and employment of student service members and veterans with state, local, national, and international employers.

(E) Survey student service members and veterans to identify their needs and challenges and make the survey available to faculty and staff at the state institution of higher education. And periodically conduct follow-up surveys, at a frequency determined by the board, to gauge the institution's progress toward meeting identified needs and challenges.

The chancellor of the Ohio board of regents shall provide guidance to state institutions of higher education in their compliance with this section, including the recommendation of standardized policies on support and assistance to veterans and service members.

The person or persons designated under division (A) of this section shall not be a person currently designated by the institution as a veterans administration certifying official.

Sec. 3345.422. Not later than December 31, 2014, and continuing thereafter, each state institution of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, shall provide a student who is either a veteran or a service member with priority for course registration.

Sec. 3345.423. Not later than December 31, 2014, the board of trustees or managing authority of each state institution of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, shall establish an appeals procedure for students who are veterans or service members for resolving disputes regarding the awarding of college credit for military experience.

Sec. 3345.424. On or after December 31, 2014, no state institution of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, shall charge a student who is a veteran or a service member any fee for the evaluation of, transcription of, or application for college credit for military experience.

Sec. 4729.12.  An identification card issued by the state board of pharmacy under section 4729.08 of the Revised Code entitles the individual to whom it is issued to practice as a pharmacist or as a pharmacy intern in this state until the next annual renewal date.

Identification cards shall be renewed annually on the fifteenth day of September, according to the standard renewal procedure of Chapter 4745. of the Revised Code.

Each pharmacist and pharmacy intern shall carry the identification card or renewal identification card while engaged in the practice of pharmacy. The license shall be conspicuously exposed at the principal place where the pharmacist or pharmacy intern practices pharmacy.

A pharmacist or pharmacy intern who desires to continue in the practice of pharmacy shall file with the board an application in such form and containing such data as the board may require for renewal of an identification card. An application filed under this section may not be withdrawn without the approval of the board. If the board finds that the applicant's card has not been revoked or placed under suspension and that the applicant has paid the renewal fee, has continued pharmacy education in accordance with the rules of the board, and is entitled to continue in the practice of pharmacy, the board shall issue a renewal identification card to the applicant.

When an identification card has lapsed for more than sixty days but application is made within three years after the expiration of the card, the applicant shall be issued a renewal identification card without further examination if the applicant meets the requirements of this section and pays the fee designated under division (E)(A)(5) of section 4729.15 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4729.13.  A pharmacist who fails to make application to the state board of pharmacy for a renewal identification card within a period of three years from the expiration of the identification card must pass an examination for registration; except that a pharmacist whose registration has expired, but who has continually practiced pharmacy in another state under a license issued by the authority of that state, may obtain a renewal identification card upon payment to the executive director of the board the fee designated under division (F)(A)(6) of section 4729.15 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4729.15.  The (A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, the state board of pharmacy shall charge the following fees:

(A)(1) For applying for a license to practice as a pharmacist, an amount adequate to cover all rentals, compensation for proctors, and other expenses of the board related to examination except the expenses of procuring and grading the examination, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to pass the examination;

(B)(2) For the examination of an applicant for licensure as a pharmacist, an amount adequate to cover any expenses to the board of procuring and grading the examination or any part thereof, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to pass the examination;

(C)(3) For issuing a license and an identification card to an individual who passes the examination described in section 4729.07 of the Revised Code, an amount that is adequate to cover the expense;

(D)(4) For a pharmacist applying for renewal of an identification card within sixty days after the expiration date, ninety-seven dollars and fifty cents, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to qualify for renewal;

(E)(5) For a pharmacist applying for renewal of an identification card that has lapsed for more than sixty days, but for less than three years, one hundred thirty-five dollars, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to qualify for renewal;

(F)(6) For a pharmacist applying for renewal of an identification card that has lapsed for more than three years, three hundred thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to qualify for renewal;

(G)(7) For a pharmacist applying for a license and identification card, on presentation of a pharmacist license granted by another state, three hundred thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to qualify for licensure.

(H)(8) For a license and identification card to practice as a pharmacy intern, twenty-two dollars and fifty cents, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to qualify for licensure;

(I)(9) For the renewal of a pharmacy intern identification card, twenty-two dollars and fifty cents, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to qualify for renewal;

(J)(10) For issuing a replacement license to a pharmacist, twenty-two dollars and fifty cents;

(K)(11) For issuing a replacement license to a pharmacy intern, seven dollars and fifty cents;

(L)(12) For issuing a replacement identification card to a pharmacist, thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents, or pharmacy intern, seven dollars and fifty cents;

(M)(13) For certifying licensure and grades for reciprocal licensure, ten dollars;

(N)(14) For making copies of any application, affidavit, or other document filed in the state board of pharmacy office, an amount fixed by the board that is adequate to cover the expense, except that for copies required by federal or state agencies or law enforcement officers for official purposes, no charge need be made;

(O)(15) For certifying and affixing the seal of the board, an amount fixed by the board that is adequate to cover the expense, except that for certifying and affixing the seal of the board to a document required by federal or state agencies or law enforcement officers for official purposes, no charge need be made;

(P)(16) For each copy of a book or pamphlet that includes laws administered by the state board of pharmacy, rules adopted by the board, and chapters of the Revised Code with which the board is required to comply, an amount fixed by the board that is adequate to cover the expense of publishing and furnishing the book or pamphlet.

(B)(1) Subject to division (B)(2) of this section, the fees described in divisions (A)(1) to (13) of this section do not apply to an individual who is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or to an individual who served in the armed forces of the United States and presents a valid copy of the individual's DD-214 form or an equivalent document issued by the United States department of defense indicating that the individual is an honorably discharged veteran.

(2) The state board of pharmacy may establish limits with respect to the individuals for whom fees are not applicable under division (B)(1) of this section.

Sec. 4731.36.  (A) Sections 4731.01 to 4731.47 of the Revised Code shall not prohibit service in case of emergency, domestic administration of family remedies, or provision of assistance to another individual who is self-administering drugs.

Sections 4731.01 to 4731.47 of the Revised Code shall not apply to any of the following:

(1) A commissioned medical officer of the armed forces of the United States armed forces, as defined in section 5903.11 of the Revised Code, or an employee of the veterans administration of the United States or the United States public health service in the discharge of the officer's or employee's professional duties;

(2) A dentist authorized under Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code to practice dentistry when engaged exclusively in the practice of dentistry or when administering anesthetics in the practice of dentistry;

(3) A physician or surgeon in another state or territory who is a legal practitioner of medicine or surgery therein when providing consultation to an individual holding a certificate to practice issued under this chapter who is responsible for the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the patient who is the subject of the consultation, if one of the following applies:

(a) The physician or surgeon does not provide consultation in this state on a regular or frequent basis.

(b) The physician or surgeon provides the consultation without compensation of any kind, direct or indirect, for the consultation.

(c) The consultation is part of the curriculum of a medical school or osteopathic medical school of this state or a program described in division (A)(2) of section 4731.291 of the Revised Code.

(4) A physician or surgeon in another state or territory who is a legal practitioner of medicine or surgery therein and provided services to a patient in that state or territory, when providing, not later than one year after the last date services were provided in another state or territory, follow-up services in person or through the use of any communication, including oral, written, or electronic communication, in this state to the patient for the same condition;

(5) A physician or surgeon residing on the border of a contiguous state and authorized under the laws thereof to practice medicine and surgery therein, whose practice extends within the limits of this state. Such practitioner shall not either in person or through the use of any communication, including oral, written, or electronic communication, open an office or appoint a place to see patients or receive calls within the limits of this state.

(6) A board, committee, or corporation engaged in the conduct described in division (A) of section 2305.251 of the Revised Code when acting within the scope of the functions of the board, committee, or corporation;

(7) The conduct of an independent review organization accredited by the superintendent of insurance under section 3922.13 of the Revised Code for the purpose of external reviews conducted under Chapter 3922. of the Revised Code.

As used in division (A)(1) of this section, "armed forces of the United States" means the army, air force, navy, marine corps, coast guard, and any other military service branch that is designated by congress as a part of the armed forces of the United States.

(B)(1) Subject to division (B)(2) of this section, this chapter does not apply to a person who holds a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in another state when the person, pursuant to a written agreement with an athletic team located in the state in which the person holds the license, provides medical services to any of the following while the team is traveling to or from or participating in a sporting event in this state:

(a) A member of the athletic team;

(b) A member of the athletic team's coaching, communications, equipment, or sports medicine staff;

(c) A member of a band or cheerleading squad accompanying the athletic team;

(d) The athletic team's mascot.

(2) In providing medical services pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section, the person shall not provide medical services at a health care facility, including a hospital, an ambulatory surgical facility, or any other facility in which medical care, diagnosis, or treatment is provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

(C) Sections 4731.51 to 4731.61 of the Revised Code do not apply to any graduate of a podiatric school or college while performing those acts that may be prescribed by or incidental to participation in an accredited podiatric internship, residency, or fellowship program situated in this state approved by the state medical board.

(D) This chapter does not apply to an oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist who complies with Chapter 4762. of the Revised Code.

(E) This chapter does not prohibit the administration of drugs by any of the following:

(1) An individual who is licensed or otherwise specifically authorized by the Revised Code to administer drugs;

(2) An individual who is not licensed or otherwise specifically authorized by the Revised Code to administer drugs, but is acting pursuant to the rules for delegation of medical tasks adopted under section 4731.053 of the Revised Code;

(3) An individual specifically authorized to administer drugs pursuant to a rule adopted under the Revised Code that is in effect on April 10, 2001, as long as the rule remains in effect, specifically authorizing an individual to administer drugs.

(F) The exemptions described in divisions (A)(3), (4), and (5) of this section do not apply to a physician or surgeon whose certificate to practice issued under this chapter is under suspension or has been revoked or permanently revoked by action of the state medical board.

Sec. 4743.04.  (A) The renewal of a license or other authorization to practice a trade or profession issued under Title XLVII of the Revised Code is subject to the provisions of section 5903.10 of the Revised Code relating to service in the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state.

(B) Continuing education requirements applicable to the licensees under Title XLVII of the Revised Code are subject to the provisions of section 5903.12 of the Revised Code relating to active duty military service.

(C) A department, agency, or office of this state or of any political subdivision of this state that issues a license or certificate to practice a trade or profession may, pursuant to rules adopted by the department, agency, or office, issue a temporary license or certificate to practice the trade or profession to a person whose spouse is on active military duty in this state.

(D) The issuance of a license or other authorization to practice a trade or profession issued under Title XLVII of the Revised Code is subject to the provisions of section 5903.03 of the Revised Code relating to service in the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state.

Sec. 5902.02.  The duties of the director of veterans services shall include the following:

(A) Furnishing the veterans service commissions of all counties of the state copies of the state laws, rules, and legislation relating to the operation of the commissions and their offices;

(B) Upon application, assisting the general public in obtaining records of vital statistics pertaining to veterans or their dependents;

(C) Adopting rules pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code pertaining to minimum qualifications for hiring, certifying, and accrediting county veterans service officers, pertaining to their required duties, and pertaining to revocation of the certification of county veterans service officers;

(D) Adopting rules pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code for the education, training, certification, and duties of veterans service commissioners and for the revocation of the certification of a veterans service commissioner;

(E) Developing and monitoring programs and agreements enhancing employment and training for veterans in single or multiple county areas;

(F) Developing and monitoring programs and agreements to enable county veterans service commissions to address homelessness, indigency, and other veteran-related issues individually or jointly;

(G) Developing and monitoring programs and agreements to enable state agencies, individually or jointly, that provide services to veterans, including the veterans' homes operated under Chapter 5907. of the Revised Code and the director of job and family services, to address homelessness, indigency, employment, and other veteran-related issues;

(H) Establishing and providing statistical reporting formats and procedures for county veterans service commissions;

(I) Publishing electronically a listing of county veterans service offices and county veterans service commissioners. The listing shall include the expiration dates of commission members' terms of office and the organizations they represent; the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of county veterans service offices; and the addresses and telephone numbers of the Ohio offices and headquarters of state and national veterans service organizations.

(J) Establishing a veterans advisory committee to advise and assist the department of veterans services in its duties. Members shall include a member of the national guard association of the United States who is a resident of this state, a member of the military officers association of America who is a resident of this state, a state representative of congressionally chartered veterans organizations referred to in section 5901.02 of the Revised Code, a representative of any other congressionally chartered state veterans organization that has at least one veterans service commissioner in the state, three representatives of the Ohio state association of county veterans service commissioners, who shall have a combined vote of one, three representatives of the state association of county veterans service officers, who shall have a combined vote of one, one representative of the county commissioners association of Ohio, who shall be a county commissioner not from the same county as any of the other county representatives, a representative of the advisory committee on women veterans, a representative of a labor organization, and a representative of the office of the attorney general. The department of veterans services shall submit to the advisory committee proposed rules for the committee's operation. The committee may review and revise these proposed rules prior to submitting them to the joint committee on agency rule review.

(K) Adopting, with the advice and assistance of the veterans advisory committee, policy and procedural guidelines that the veterans service commissions shall adhere to in the development and implementation of rules, policies, procedures, and guidelines for the administration of Chapter 5901. of the Revised Code. The department of veterans services shall adopt no guidelines or rules regulating the purposes, scope, duration, or amounts of financial assistance provided to applicants pursuant to sections 5901.01 to 5901.15 of the Revised Code. The director of veterans services may obtain opinions from the office of the attorney general regarding rules, policies, procedures, and guidelines of the veterans service commissions and may enforce compliance with Chapter 5901. of the Revised Code.

(L) Receiving copies of form DD214 filed in accordance with the director's guidelines adopted under division (L) of this section from members of veterans service commissions appointed under section 5901.02 and from county veterans service officers employed under section 5901.07 of the Revised Code;

(M) Developing and maintaining and improving a resource, such as a telephone answering point or a web site, by means of which veterans and their dependents, through a single portal, can access multiple sources of information and interaction with regard to the rights of, and the benefits available to, veterans and their dependents. The director of veterans services may enter into agreements with state and federal agencies, with agencies of political subdivisions, with state and local instrumentalities, and with private entities as necessary to make the resource as complete as is possible.

(N) Planning, organizing, advertising, and conducting outreach efforts, such as conferences and fairs, at which veterans and their dependents may meet, learn about the organization and operation of the department of veterans services and of veterans service commissions, and obtain information about the rights of, and the benefits and services available to, veterans and their dependents;

(O) Advertising, in print, on radio and television, and otherwise, the rights of, and the benefits and services available to, veterans and their dependents;

(P) Developing and advocating improved benefits and services for, and improved delivery of benefits and services to, veterans and their dependents;

(Q) Searching for, identifying, and reviewing statutory and administrative policies that relate to veterans and their dependents and reporting to the general assembly statutory and administrative policies that should be consolidated in whole or in part within the organization of the department of veterans services to unify funding, delivery, and accounting of statutory and administrative policy expressions that relate particularly to veterans and their dependents;

(R) Encouraging veterans service commissions to innovate and otherwise to improve efficiency in delivering benefits and services to veterans and their dependents and to report successful innovations and efficiencies to the director of veterans services;

(S) Publishing and encouraging adoption of successful innovations and efficiencies veterans service commissions have achieved in delivering benefits and services to veterans and their dependents;

(T) Establishing advisory committees, in addition to the veterans advisory committee established under division (K) of this section, on veterans issues;

(U) Developing and maintaining a relationship with the United States department of veterans affairs, seeking optimal federal benefits and services for Ohio veterans and their dependents, and encouraging veterans service commissions to maximize the federal benefits and services to which veterans and their dependents are entitled;

(V) Developing and maintaining relationships with the several veterans organizations, encouraging the organizations in their efforts at assisting veterans and their dependents, and advocating for adequate state subsidization of the organizations;

(W) Requiring the several veterans organizations that receive funding from the state annually, not later than the thirtieth day of July, to report to the director of veterans services and prescribing the form and content of the report;

(X) Reviewing the reports submitted to the director under division (W) of this section within thirty days of receipt and informing the veterans organization of any deficiencies that exist in the organization's report and that funding will not be released until the deficiencies have been corrected and a satisfactory report submitted;

(Y) Advising the director of budget and management when a report submitted to the director under division (W) of this section has been reviewed and determined to be satisfactory;

(Z) Furnishing copies of all reports that the director of veterans services has determined have been submitted satisfactorily under division (W) of this section to the chairperson of the finance committees of the general assembly;

(AA) Investigating complaints against county veterans services commissioners and county veterans service officers if the director reasonably believes the investigation to be appropriate and necessary;

(BB) Developing and maintaining a web site that is accessible by veterans and their dependents and provides a link to the web site of each state agency that issues a license, certificate, or other authorization permitting an individual to engage in an occupation or occupational activity;

(CC) Encouraging state agencies to conduct outreach efforts through which veterans and their dependents can learn about available job and education benefits;

(DD) Informing state agencies about changes in statutes and rules that affect veterans and their dependents;

(EE) Assisting licensing agencies in adopting rules under section 5903.03 of the Revised Code;

(FF) Taking any other actions required by this chapter.

Sec. 5903.01. As used in this chapter:

"Armed forces" means the armed forces of the United States, including the army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard, or any reserve components of those forces; the national guard of any state; the commissioned corps of the United States public health service; the merchant marine service during wartime; such other service as may be designated by congress; or the Ohio organized militia when engaged in full-time national guard duty for a period of more than thirty days.

"License" means a license, certificate, permit, or other authorization issued or conferred by a licensing agency under which a licensee may engage in a profession, occupation, or occupational activity.

"Licensee" means a person to whom all of the following apply:

(A) The person has been issued a license by a licensing agency.

(B) The person has been a member of the armed forces.

(C) The person has served on active duty, whether inside or outside the United States, for a period in excess of thirty-one days.

"Licensing agency" means any state department, division, board, commission, agency, or other state governmental unit authorized by the Revised Code to issue a license.

"Service member" means any person who is serving in the armed forces.

"Merchant marine" includes the United States army transport service and the United States naval transport service.

"Veteran" means any person who has completed service in the armed forces, including the national guard of any state, or a reserve component of the armed forces, who has been discharged under honorable conditions from the armed forces or who has been transferred to the reserve with evidence of satisfactory service.

Sec. 5903.03.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "License" and "licensing agency" have the meanings defined in section 5903.12 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Military, "military program of training" means a training program of the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state.

(B) Notwithstanding any provision of the Revised Code to the contrary, a licensing agency shall consider an applicant for a license:

(1) To have met the educational requirement for that license if the applicant has completed a military program of training and has been awarded a military primary specialty at a level that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the educational requirement for that license; and

(2) To have met the experience requirement for that license if the applicant has served in that military primary specialty under honorable conditions for a period of time that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the experience requirement for that license.

(C) Each licensing agency, not later than June 30, 2014, shall adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code regarding which military programs of training, military primary specialties, and lengths of service are substantially equivalent to or exceed the educational and experience requirements for each license that agency issues.

Sec. 5903.04.  Each licensing agency shall adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to establish and implement all of the following:

(A) A process to obtain from each applicant documentation and additional information necessary to determine if the applicant is a service member or veteran, or the spouse or surviving spouse of a service member or veteran;

(B) A process to record, track, and monitor applications that have been received from a service member, veteran, or the spouse or surviving spouse of a service member or veteran; and

(C) A process to prioritize and expedite certification or licensing for each applicant who is a service member, veteran, or the spouse or a surviving spouse of a service member or veteran.

In establishing these processes, the licensing agency shall include any special accommodations that may be appropriate for applicants facing imminent deployment.

Sec. 5903.05. A licensing agency shall apply for approval to the state approving agency at the Ohio department of veterans services as required under 38 U.S.C. 3672(a) to enable an eligible person or veteran to receive education benefits through the United States department of veterans affairs.

Sec. 5903.10.  (A) A holder of an expired license or certificate from this state or any political subdivision or agency of the state to practice a trade or profession shall be granted a renewal of the license or certificate by the issuing board or authority at the usual cost without penalty and without re-examination if not otherwise disqualified because of mental or physical disability and if either of the following applies:

(1) The license or certificate was not renewed because of the holder's service in the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state.

(2) The license or certificate was not renewed because the holder's spouse served in the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state, and the service resulted in the holder's absence from this state.

(B) A renewal shall not be granted under division (A) of this section unless the holder or the holder's spouse, whichever is applicable, has presented satisfactory evidence of the service member's discharge under honorable conditions or release under honorable conditions from active duty or national guard duty within six months after the discharge or release.

Sec. 5903.11.  (A) Any federally funded employment and training program administered by any state agency including, but not limited to, the "Workforce Investment Act of 1998," 112 Stat. 936, codified in scattered sections of 29 U.S.C., as amended, shall include a veteran priority system to provide maximum employment and training opportunities to veterans and eligible persons within each targeted group as established by federal law and state and federal policy in the service area. Disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, other veterans, and eligible persons shall receive preference over nonveterans within each targeted group in the provision of employment and training services available through these programs as required by this section.

(B) Each state agency shall refer qualified applicants to job openings and training opportunities in programs described in division (A) of this section in the following order of priority:

(1) Special disabled veterans;

(2) Veterans of the Vietnam era;

(3) Disabled veterans;

(4) All other veterans;

(5) Other eligible persons;

(6) Nonveterans.

(C) Each state agency providing employment and training services to veterans and eligible persons under programs described in division (A) of this section shall submit an annual written report to the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate on the services that it provides to veterans and eligible persons. Each such agency shall report separately on all entitlement programs, employment or training programs, and any other programs that it provides to each class of persons described in divisions (B)(1) to (6) of this section. Each such agency shall also report on action taken to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. Compliance and reporting procedures shall be in accordance with the reporting procedures then in effect for all employment and training programs described in division (A) of this section, with the addition of veterans as a separate reporting module.

(D) All state agencies that administer federally funded employment and training programs described in division (A) of this section for veterans and eligible persons shall do all of the following:

(1) Ensure that veterans are treated with courtesy and respect at all state governmental facilities;

(2) Give priority in referral to jobs to qualified veterans and other eligible persons;

(3) Give priority in referral to and enrollment in training programs to qualified veterans and other eligible persons;

(4) Give preferential treatment to special disabled veterans in the provision of all needed state services;

(5) Provide information and effective referral assistance to veterans and other eligible persons regarding needed benefits and services that may be obtained through other agencies.

(E) As used in this section:

(1) "Special disabled veteran" means a veteran who is entitled to, or who but for the receipt of military pay would be entitled to, compensation under any law administered by the department of veterans affairs for a disability rated at thirty per cent or more or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

(2) "Veteran of the Vietnam era" means an eligible veteran who served on active duty for a period of more than one hundred eighty days, any part of which occurred from August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975, and was discharged or released therefrom with other than a dishonorable discharge or a person who was discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability if any part of the active duty was performed from August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975.

(3) "Disabled veteran" means a veteran who is entitled to, or who but for the receipt of military retirement pay would be entitled to compensation, under any law administered by the department of veterans affairs and who is not a special disabled veteran.

(4) "Eligible veteran" means a person who served on active duty for more than one hundred eighty days and was discharged or released from active duty with other than a dishonorable discharge or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

(5) "Other eligible person" means one of the following:

(a) The spouse of any person who died of a service-connected disability;

(b) The spouse of any member of the armed forces serving on active duty who at the time of the spouse's application for assistance under any program described in division (A) of this section is listed pursuant to the "Act of September 6, 1966," 80 Stat. 629, 37 U.S.C.A. 556, and the regulations issued pursuant thereto, as having been in one or more of the following categories for a total of ninety or more days:

(i) Missing in action;

(ii) Captured in line of duty by a hostile force;

(iii) Forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.

(c) The spouse of any person who has a total disability permanent in nature resulting from a service-connected disability or the spouse of a veteran who died while such a disability was in existence.

(6) "Veteran" means either of the following:

(a) Any person a veteran as defined in section 5903.01 of the Revised Code who was a member of the armed forces of the United States for a period of one hundred eighty days or more or; a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability;

(b) A or a person who served as a member of the United States merchant marine and to whom either of the following applies:

(i)(a) The person has an honorable report of separation from active duty military service, form DD214 or DD215.; or

(ii)(b) The person served in the United States merchant marine between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, and died on active duty while serving in a war zone during that period of service.

(7) "Armed forces of the United States" means the army, air force, navy, marine corps, coast guard, and any other military service branch that is designated by congress as a part of the armed forces of the United States.

(8) "Employment program" means a program which provides referral of individuals to employer job openings in the federal, state, or private sector.

(9)(8) "Training program" means any program that upgrades the employability of qualified applicants.

(10)(9) "Entitlement program" means any program that enlists specific criteria in determining eligibility, including but not limited to the existence in special segments of the general population of specific financial needs.

(11)(10) "Targeted group" means a group of persons designated by federal law or regulations or by state law to receive special assistance under an employment and training program described in division (A) of this section.

(12) "United States merchant marine" includes the United States army transport service and the United States naval transport service.

Sec. 5903.12.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Continuing education" means continuing education required of a licensee by law and includes, but is not limited to, the continuing education required of licensees under sections 3737.881, 3781.10, 4701.11, 4715.141, 4715.25, 4717.09, 4723.24, 4725.16, 4725.51, 4730.14, 4730.49, 4731.281, 4734.25, 4735.141, 4736.11, 4741.16, 4741.19, 4751.07, 4755.63, 4757.33, 4759.06, 4761.06, and 4763.07 of the Revised Code.

(2) "License" means a license, certificate, permit, or other authorization issued or conferred by a licensing agency under which a licensee may engage in a profession, occupation, or occupational activity.

(3) "Licensee" means a person to whom all of the following apply:

(a) The person has been issued a license by a licensing agency.

(b) The person has been a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Ohio national guard, the Ohio military reserve, the Ohio naval militia, the national guard of any other state, or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.

(c) The person has served on active duty, whether inside or outside the United States, for a period in excess of thirty-one days.

(4) "Licensing agency" means any state department, division, board, commission, agency, or other state governmental unit authorized by the Revised Code to issue a license.

(5) "Reporting period" means the period of time during which a licensee must complete the number of hours of continuing education required of the licensee by law.

(B) A licensee may submit an application to a licensing agency, stating that the licensee requires an extension of the current reporting period because the licensee has served on active duty as described in division (A)(3)(c) of this section during the current or a prior reporting period. The licensee shall submit proper documentation certifying the active duty service and the length of that active duty service. Upon receiving the application and proper documentation, the licensing agency shall extend the current reporting period by an amount of time equal to the total number of months that the licensee spent on active duty during the current reporting period. For purposes of this division, any portion of a month served on active duty shall be considered one full month.

Sec. 5903.121. A "licensing agency," as defined in section 5903.12 of the Revised Code, shall consider relevant education, training, or service completed by a licensee as a member of the armed forces of the United States or reserve components thereof, the Ohio national guard, the Ohio military reserve, the Ohio naval militia, or the national guard of any other state in determining whether a licensee has fulfilled required continuing education.

Sec. 5903.15.  (A) As used in this section "employer" means any person who has one or more employees. "Employer" includes an agent of an employer but does not include the state or any agency of the state, and any municipal corporation, county, township, school district, or other political subdivision or any agency or instrumentality thereof.

(B) An employer may adopt a policy to provide a preference for employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, or retention during a reduction in force, to a service member, veteran, or the spouse or a surviving spouse of a service member or veteran.

(C) A preference provided under division (B) of this section is not a violation of any state or local equal employment opportunity law. The unlawful discriminatory practices as defined in section 4112.02 of the Revised Code do not make it unlawful for an employer implementing a policy under this section to obtain information about an applicant's military status for the purpose of determining if the applicant is eligible for the preference provided under this policy.

(D) If an employer elects to adopt a policy described in division (B) of this section, the employer may notify the Ohio department of job and family services. The department of job and family services shall maintain a registry of employers that have a voluntary veterans' preference employment policy as described in this section, which shall be available to the public on the web site maintained by the department. The department of veterans services shall make available on the department's web site a link to the registry.

Sec. 5907.01. (A) As used in this chapter:

(1) "Armed forces of the United States" has the same meaning as in section 5903.11 of the Revised Code means the army, air force, navy, marine corps, coast guard, and any other military service branch that is designated by congress as a part of the armed forces of the United States.

(2) "Domiciliary" means a separate area within the Ohio veterans' home providing domiciliary care.

(3) "Domiciliary care" means providing shelter, food, and necessary medical care on an ambulatory self-care basis to eligible veterans who do not need the nursing services provided in nursing homes.

(4) "Nursing home" has the same meaning as in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code.

(5) "Veteran" has the same meaning as in section 5901.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) There are hereby established the Ohio veterans' homes within the department of veterans services. The department shall maintain and operate state veterans' homes as administered under the state veterans' home programs defined in Title 38 of the United States Code.

Sec. 5907.04.  Subject As used in this section, "armed forces of the United States" means the army, air force, navy, marine corps, coast guard, and any other military service branch that is designated by congress as a part of the armed forces of the United States.

Subject to the following paragraph, all veterans, who served during a period of conflict as determined by the United States department of veterans affairs or any person who is awarded either the armed forces expeditionary medal established by presidential executive order 10977 dated December 4, 1961, or the Vietnam service medal established by presidential executive order 11231 dated July 8, 1965, who have been honorably discharged or separated under honorable conditions therefrom, or any discharged members of the Polish and Czechoslovakian armed forces who served in armed conflict with an enemy of the United States in World War II who have been citizens of the United States for at least ten years, provided that the above-mentioned persons have been citizens of this state for one year or more at the date of making application for admission, are disabled by disease, wounds, or otherwise, and are by reason of such disability incapable of earning their living, and all members of the Ohio national guard or naval militia who have lost an arm or leg, or their sight, or become permanently disabled from any cause, while in the line and discharge of duty, and are not able to support themselves, may be admitted to a veterans' home under such rules as the director of veterans services adopts.

A veteran who served in the armed forces of the United States as defined in division (E)(7) of section 5903.11 of the Revised Code is eligible for admission to a veterans' home under the preceding paragraph only if the person has the characteristics defined in division (B)(1) of section 5901.01 of the Revised Code.

Veterans' homes may reserve a bed during the temporary absence of a resident or patient from the home, including a nursing home within it, under conditions prescribed by the director, to include hospitalization for an acute condition, visits with relatives and friends, and participation in therapeutic programs outside the home. A home shall not reserve a bed for more than thirty days, except that absences for more than thirty days due to hospitalization may be authorized.

SECTION 2.  That existing sections 1306.20, 2913.01, 2913.02, 2913.43, 2913.49, 2913.61, 3307.01, 3333.28, 4729.12, 4729.13, 4729.15, 4731.36, 4743.04, 5902.02, 5903.03, 5903.10, 5903.11, 5903.12, 5903.121, 5907.01, and 5907.04 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.

SECTION 3.  The Director of Veterans Services shall implement divisions (BB) to (EE) of section 5902.02 of the Revised Code not later than December 31, 2014.

SECTION 4.  A licensing agency that is required to adopt rules under section 5903.04 of the Revised Code shall adopt initial rules not later than December 31, 2014.

SECTION 5. State agencies that are required to apply for approval to the State Approving Agency at the Ohio Department of Veterans Services under section 5903.05 of the Revised Code shall do so initially not later than December 31, 2014.

SECTION 6. The Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents shall prepare a report describing the progress made by state institutions of higher education toward implementation of this act by the Chancellor and by state institutions of higher education. The report shall include recommendations and ideas on how to integrate service members and veterans into the campus environment and how to promote academic achievement among service members and veterans in order to better prepare service members and the veterans to enter the workforce. The Chancellor, within six months after the effective date of this section, shall deliver the report to the General Assembly under division (B) of section 101.68 of the Revised Code.

SECTION 7. Section 4731.36 of the Revised Code is presented in this act as a composite of the section as amended by both Sub. H.B. 251 and Sub. S.B. 141 of the 129th General Assembly. The General Assembly, applying the principle stated in division (B) of section 1.52 of the Revised Code that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation, finds that the composite is the resulting version of the section in effect prior to the effective date of the section as presented in this act.