Johnson tapped to serve as highest-ranking Dem on House legal panel
House Democratic Leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton) today announced State Rep. Greta Johnson (D-Akron) as the lead Democratic member of the Ohio House Judiciary Committee. The first-term lawmaker was elevated to the committee leadership position this week, after serving on the panel since the beginning of her term in 2015.
“Rep. Greta Johnson embodies the leadership and expertise needed to guide our members through policies that impact the administration of justice in our state,” said Strahorn. “A highly qualified and outspoken advocate for the fairness and integrity of our legal system, Johnson’s firsthand experience as an assistant county prosecutor is an invaluable resource for our members and for the citizens of Ohio.”
Earning her Master’s Degree in Higher Education in 2001 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Akron in 2004, Johnson has served in the Prosecutors’ offices of Mahoning County, the City of Akron, and Summit County. Since her time at the Statehouse, Johnson has been an outspoken advocate for the rights of rape victims and victims of domestic violence, introducing legislation that would end the statute of limitations for rape victims and outlaw spousal rape in Ohio.
“It is an honor to serve my constituents, colleagues and all Ohioans through my new role in the state legislature,” said Johnson. “I believe in a court system and laws that promote fairness, integrity and impartiality. I look forward to promoting these values through our committee’s work by ensuring bills we consider reflect our nation’s fundamental guarantee of justice for all.”
The House Judiciary Committee considers an array of legislation relating to proposed criminal and civil law changes, judgeships and the courts. Committee members hear testimony from policy experts, legislators, interest groups and members of the public to determine and debate the merits of a given bill before recommending its full passage by the Ohio House. The Judiciary Committee is comprised of 13 members: nine Republicans and four Democratic members.