COLUMBUS – The Ohio House has unanimously passed the bill known as “Judy’s Law,” which stiffens penalties for anyone who uses an accelerant in committing felonious assault and causes disfigurement or lasting crippling injury.
The measure was inspired by the story of Judy Malinowski, a Gahanna mother who was doused in gasoline and set on fire in August 2015 by her estranged boyfriend, resulting in injuries that have been treated by more than 50 surgeries, but which still leave Judy clinging to life.
Under current Ohio law, her attacker was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Rep. Jim Hughes (R-Upper Arlington) introduced the legislation after learning of Judy’s story. It would allow judges to add an additional prison term of six years for felonious assault if the offender used an accelerant in committing the offense and the abuse resulted in a permanent disfigurement or permanent substantial incapacity.
Malinowski has continued to speak out about domestic violence and recorded video testimony encouraging legislators to pass the bill.
According to television reports, Malinowski has been moved to a palliative care center and is no longer receiving medical care.