SB 288 Includes a Host of Reforms Investing in Rehabilitation and Aiming to Reduce Recidivism

COLUMBUS – Overnight, the State House passed SB 288 – a sweeping package of public safety proposals – which aims to prioritize rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and improve safety in Ohio. SB 288 provides pathways to success for incarcerated individuals looking to succeed after release, reducing the chances that they will re-offend and return to prison. The bill – sponsored by Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) – passed the State Senate earlier this month in a bipartisan vote. SB 288 is now headed to Governor DeWine for his signature. The Alliance for Safety and Justice (ASJ) released the following statement from Candace S. Williams, Ohio State Director for ASJ:

“This morning's final passage of SB 288 is a victory for Ohio families, crime survivors, and all those who are advocating for safer communities in our state. We've made great strides in investing in a public safety system that prioritizes rehabilitation, and SB 288 builds upon that progress to improve safety even further.

This groundbreaking bill includes proven solutions that will expand opportunities for people to succeed after prison, allowing them to give back to their communities and get their lives back on track. The goal is to reduce the chances that someone will re-victimize and return to prison – and this bill will do just that.

We thank Senator Manning for being a reliable advocate and partner in this process, and we thank the legislature for standing with crime survivors in supporting SB 288. We look forward to Governor DeWine's signature on this historic legislation. Today, we've shown what is possible when we work together on common goals. Now, let's get to work on making a safer Ohio.”

The full text of the bill can be viewed here. ABOUT THE ALLIANCE FOR SAFETY AND JUSTICE The Alliance for Safety and Justice is a national organization that aims to win new safety priorities in states across the country. It partners with leaders to advance state reform through networking, coalition building, research, education, and advocacy. It also brings together diverse crime survivors to advance policies that help communities most harmed by crime and violence, as part of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice – its national network of over 100,000 crime survivors, with 5,000 members in Ohio. For more information, visit https://allianceforsafetyandjustice.org.