Policy Reform

COLUMBUS, OH—State Senators Stephen Huffman (R-Tipp City) and Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) announced a bipartisan death penalty repeal bill Thursday morning during a virtual press conference. The Senators were joined by several colleagues from both the House and Senate including Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), Senator Niraj Antani (R-Miami Township), Senator Sandra Williams (D-Cleveland), Representative Adam […]

Contact Kevin Werner for information on any bills or if you would like to testify in favor one of these bills: kwerner@ohiojpc.org, 513-421-1108 x 14, @itskevinwerner

Disclaimer: This FAQ is a general source of information and is not a substitute for individualized legal advice. For specific questions, we recommend consulting an attorney. You are always welcome to contact the Ohio Justice & Policy Center’s Second Chance Team at secondchance@ohiojpc.org.

On June 30, the Senate passed SB3 by a 25-4 vote. This is a bill that primarily focuses on drug resentencing, but it also expands record sealing in ways that will help many OJPC clients who face barriers to employment, housing, and education due to their criminal records. The bill is one of two major […]

On June 4, after more than a week of protests across the United States and almost three months into a global pandemic, The Ohio Justice & Policy Center and the Cincinnati Black United Front released a list of eight recommendations. These are concrete ways for law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and local governments to respond to […]

The Ohio Justice & Policy Center’s recommendations to minimize the scale and spread of the new coronavirus in our criminal legal system Ohio’s leaders took swift action to contain the spread of the new coronavirus. Large gatherings are prohibited, bars and restaurants are closed, and many of us are working from home (including the OJPC […]

Originally published March 4, 2020 The death penalty is a failed public policy. The Ohio Justice & Policy Center is eager for the advancement of a new, bipartisan Ohio Senate bill that would end the practice of executions in our state. State Sen. Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) announced the bill Wednesday morning, but said it […]

As we dive into a new year, here is an update on criminal-legal legislation at the Ohio Statehouse Compilation and analysis by OJPC’s Policy Director, Kevin Werner Senate Bills Pending: Senate Bill 3 (Eklund-R, O’Brien-D) Express intent to reform drug sentencing laws. S.B. 3 had its 10th hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Dec. 17. This bill is a direct result […]

Legislators have heard us loud and clear: We want real reform that safely decarcerates Ohio’s overcrowded prisons and recognizes Ohio cannot incarcerate its way out of the drug epidemic. In the first six months of the 133rd General Assembly, OJPC has been a force for change in the legislature. We’re pleased to see a number of […]