State Representative Lynn Slaby (R-Copley) today attended the ceremonial signing of House Bill 86, a comprehensive set of reforms that strive to overhaul Ohio’s criminal sentencing laws. Specifically, it aims to more successfully address prison population growth and streamline court, jail and prison operations.

In response to the Legislature’s swift and diligent action on House Bill 86, Rep. Slaby—who serves as chairman of the House Criminal Justice Committee—released the following statement:

“This legislation treats the more dangerous criminal more seriously but gives the first time, non-violent, non-sexual offender, if he or she chooses, the opportunity to become a more productive citizen.”

According to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio’s prison population is projected to increase to more than 40 percent over capacity by 2015. Currently, state prisons are filled to 33 percent over capacity, holding nearly 13,000 more individuals than they were designed to hold.

House Bill 86 will address this burgeoning problem through community programs that more effectively rehabilitate low-level offenders and reduce recidivism rates at a more affordable cost to the taxpayers. It will also improve probation supervision and reduce duplication of resources.