Abrams, Ohio House Highlight Public Safety's Impact on Bail

COLUMBUS - Yesterday, the Ohio House of Representatives passed legislation prioritizing public safety in Ohio. House Joint Resolution 2 calls for a constitutional amendment to require Ohio courts to consider risk to public safety when determining the amount and conditions of bail. 

The Resolution aims to put the issue before voters in November. 

 “HJR 2 poses a simple question to the voters: should our judges consider public safety and other factors when determining the amount and conditions of bail? My vote was a resounding yes,” said State Representative Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison). “We must protect all Ohioans. HJR 2 is a vital step in ensuring our communities are protected from violent criminals.”

Bill sponsors State Representatives Jeff LaRe (Violet Twp.) and D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) set out to prioritize public safety in response to the Ohio Supreme Court’s DeBose v. McGuffey decision. In the ruling, the majority found that a court cannot consider the risk to public safety in determining the financial level of bail, and only the risk of non-appearance should be considered. 

“I would like to thank Representatives Abrams and Seitz for their leadership,” stated Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters. “The number one job of government is to protect its people. Yesterday was an important step towards ensuring Ohio remains a safe place to live and raise a family.” 

 “I trust that Ohioans will overwhelmingly vote to restore common sense and bring about reasonable bail reform when given the chance this November,” added Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Megan Shanahan. “I thank the leadership in the Ohio General Assembly for allowing the voters to be heard when it comes to their own public safety.”

HJR 2 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.