SB 66 expands the overriding purposes of felony sentencing to include rehabilitating the incarcerated person. Accordingly, the bill reduces the length of time a person is subjected to sanctions; reduces penalties and provides alternative sanctions for violating terms of parole, including expanded use of community-based corrections facilities; modifies the way in which a court calculates jail time credit to more closely reflect the real amount of time a person is confined prior to sentencing; expands who is eligible for “in lieu of conviction,” and record sealing; and streamlines the process for terminating parole.
Jurisdiction/Legislation Level
State
LCS Legislation Status
https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-status?id=GA132...
Our Take on This Bill
The ACLU of Ohio supports SB 66’s efforts to reduce mass incarceration by rehabilitating individuals, expanding who is eligible for prison-alternative programs, and reducing prison time. SB 66 represents an important step toward a more fair and effective criminal justice system. However, it is just one step, addressing only the back end of incarceration, rather than the laws that send too many people to prison in the first place.
Bill Status
Introduced in the Senate on 2/21/17
Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on 2/22/17
Received Committee hearings on 3/7/17, 3/21/17, and 3/28/17
Committees
Judiciary (S)
