Gov. Kasich Applauds Passage of Historic Sentencing Reform Legislation

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich released the following statement praising the General Assembly for its overwhelming passage of House Bill 86 (Blessing, Heard), historic legislation that makes substantial changes to Ohio’s criminal sentencing laws:

 

“The nearly unanimous passage of House Bill 86 marks a truly historic moment and a great accomplishment for our state, particularly for those who have lost their way while moving through our criminal justice system.  Serious sentencing reform has languished in the legislature for years, and I applaud this General Assembly for having the courage to stand up and do what’s right for our state.  These reforms will make our communities safer by putting first-time, non-violent offenders in more fitting corrections environments with the goal of preventing them from becoming career criminals.  I commend President Niehaus, Speaker Batchelder, Reps. Blessing and Heard, and Sens. Grendell and Smith for working together across party lines to pass legislation that will lower recidivism rates, reduce prison overcrowding, and ultimately change the lives of many Ohioans for the better.”

Gov. Kasich will sign HB 86 next week.