Advocates who want to decrease the prison population in Ohio say reforming the criminal justice system is just one step—first, they’ll have to put an end to an influx of new bills that include prison time.
There’s a panel of state officials working to reform the criminal justice system and reduce the prison population, but the American Civil Liberties Union says more than one of every 10 bills introduced in the Ohio General Assembly this year expand the state’s criminal code. Barry Wilford with the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is calling on legislators to put the brakes on these new bills.
“Now I’ve looked over the list that are in this report and I didn’t see a single bill that I thought Ohio’s public safety is in danger if this bill does not advance,” said Wilford.
Republican House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger said the committee process helps leaders determine which bills should move forward.
