Ohio Governor Signs Law Extending Competency Restoration Time

New legislation increases time limit from 1 to 5 years for certain violent crimes

Feb. 21, 2026 at 5:22am

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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed Senate Bill 295 into law, which extends the competency restoration time from one year to five years for cases involving aggravated murder, murder, or where the possible sentence is life in prison. The bill was sponsored by state senators and supported by the parents of a murdered Cleveland police officer.

Why it matters

This law aims to provide more time for defendants accused of violent crimes to undergo competency restoration treatment before their cases can proceed to trial. Supporters argue this will help ensure a fair judicial process, while critics raise concerns about prolonged detentions without trial.

The details

Senate Bill 295 was sponsored by State Senators Nathan H. Manning and Thomas F. Patton, with strong support from the parents of murdered Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley. The bill increases the competency restoration time from one year to five years for cases involving aggravated murder, murder, or where the possible sentence is life in prison.

  • Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill into law on February 21, 2026.
  • The previous competency restoration time limit was one year.

The players

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio who signed Senate Bill 295 into law.

Nathan H. Manning

Ohio state senator who sponsored Senate Bill 295.

Thomas F. Patton

Ohio state senator who sponsored Senate Bill 295.

Jamieson Ritter

A Cleveland police officer who was fatally shot in 2024.

Michael C. O'Malley

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor who supported Senate Bill 295.

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What they’re saying

“We must provide more time for defendants accused of violent crimes to undergo competency restoration treatment before their cases can proceed to trial.”

— Nathan H. Manning, Ohio State Senator

“This law will help ensure a fair judicial process for the most serious offenses.”

— Thomas F. Patton, Ohio State Senator

What’s next

The new five-year competency restoration time limit will go into effect immediately for all eligible cases in Ohio.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a shift in Ohio's approach to competency restoration, prioritizing a more thorough evaluation process for defendants accused of violent crimes. While supporters argue it will lead to fairer outcomes, critics remain concerned about the potential for prolonged detentions without trial.