Rep. Humphrey's Bill Mandating Recordings of Parole Board Hearings Clears General Assembly

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus) today celebrated the final passage of House Bill (HB) 31 following unanimous approval by both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly. The Ohio Senate passed the measure 30-0, and the Ohio House subsequently concurred with a 95-0 vote.

HB 31 strengthens transparency and accountability within Ohio’s parole system while incorporating carefully crafted provisions that protect sensitive information and ensure fairness for all parties involved. The legislation responds to longstanding concerns over the lack of official records for parole hearings—proceedings that often determine whether an individual may reenter society or continue serving their sentence.

“HB 31 finally reaching the Governor’s desk, through the amazing work of both chambers, demonstrates the General Assembly’s commitment to a more transparent and accountable criminal justice system in Ohio,” said Rep. Humphrey. “For far too long, life-changing parole decisions have occurred without a complete record of the process. This legislation ensures that victims, impacted individuals, and all parties involved have greater access and confidence in a system that should operate with fairness and transparency. Progress in criminal justice reform is built one meaningful change at a time, and HB 31 represents a step toward a system that values accountability, trust, and fairness for every Ohioan.”

Key provisions in the final version of HB 31 include:

• Institutional Health Care Records: Allows prosecutors to obtain certain Department of Rehabilitation and Correction medical records when a court considers judicial release for seriously ill or incapacitated inmates and requires the Parole Board to provide relevant medical records when parole is sought based on a medical condition.
• Protection of Victim Statements and Identifying Information: Exempts victim statements in pardon, commutation, and parole matters from public disclosure and protects them from subpoena or discovery, while safeguarding personally identifying information of victims and their families contained in parole hearing recordings.
• Protection of Inmate Health Information: Ensures confidential health information of incarcerated individuals cannot be disclosed through parole hearing recordings, summaries, or related communications.
• Civil Cause of Action for Improper Disclosure: Establishes the right for victims or incarcerated individuals harmed by unlawful disclosure of protected information under the bill to pursue civil action for damages.
• Disclosure of Risk Assessment Tool Reports: Authorizes the sharing of validated risk assessment tool reports with prosecutors and defense counsel for use in parole proceedings.

With final concurrence completed, HB 31 now heads to the Governor's desk.