Rep. Hicks-Hudson's bipartisan criminal justice reform bill signed into law

State Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) today announced that House Bill (HB) 1, her criminal justice reform legislation to modify the requirements for intervention in lieu of conviction and for sealing criminal records, was signed into law yesterday night. 

“Signing HB 1 into law shows Ohioans that we take care of our citizens by emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment. When this law becomes effective, it will be a game changer for many Ohioans who have not been able to live the American dream here in Ohio,” Rep. Hicks-Hudson. 

This legislation will: 

• 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.