Rep. Hicks-Hudson's Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill Advances To Governor's Desk

COLUMBUS– State Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) today announced that House Bill (HB) 1, her bipartisan bill to modify intervention in lieu of conviction/sealing requirements, moves to the governor’s desk for his signature.

“Today is a major step in the right direction criminal for justice reform in Ohio. This bipartisan effort is truly one of the pillars for criminal justice reform and I am grateful for today’s vote. My colleagues and I will continue to fight for Ohioans in the 134th general assembly. This is a victory but we have a long way to go,” said Rep. Hicks-Hudson.

This legislation would:

• Broaden the scope of continuing law intervention in lieu of conviction (ILC) by requiring an eligibility hearing on an application for intervention in any case in which the offender alleges that drug or alcohol usage was a factor leading to the underlying offense;
• Broaden the application of continuing law conviction record sealing by removing the cap, currently based on total felony convictions, on eligibility for fourth or fifth degree felony and misdemeanor offenses, and by raising the caps on restricted felony and misdemeanor offenses;
• Modify the time at which an offender may apply to have a conviction record sealed;
• Ban the shackling of pregnant prisoners;
• Expand the duties of the Criminal Sentencing Commission to gather certain data;
• Modify the use of prison as a sanction for violating community control.

Following passage of both the Ohio House and Senate, HB 1 now heads to Governor DeWine’s desk where it awaits his signature.