Bipartisan Bill Would Help End Cycle of Recidivism
Columbus – Senator Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland) issued the following statement today following the introduction of Senate Bill 291. The legislation expands Ohio’s records sealing laws to those with multiple convictions and protects Ohio businesses from lawsuits based on sealed records.
“Currently, only first time offenders are eligible to apply to have their records sealed. My bill would allow non-violent offenders with multiple offenses to apply to seal their records. To be eligible, they must be clean for the last five years after prison, probation, or any other form of post-release control. Additionally, it is important to note that violent crimes and official Offenses of Violence are not eligible for sealing under my legislation.
“The stigma of criminal records makes it difficult for reformed offenders to fully integrate back into society. I believe that expanding the opportunity to seal certain offenses will help ex-offenders find employment, allow them to support themselves and their families, and increase the economic productivity of the state.
“I understand that some Ohio businesses are apprehensive of expanding records sealing laws, because they want to know as much as possible about job applicants. Fear of hiring employees with a criminal record – no matter how dated it may be –prevents many honest, industrious Ohioans from securing jobs and careers because of foolish mistakes made when they were younger. That is why I included provisions in this bill to protect businesses from being sued based on sealed records.
“This legislation is important to me because I have faith in redemption. All people make mistakes, but I believe that they can successfully and permanently turn their lives around. When someone finishes paying his due to society, he should not suffer through that stigmatization for the rest of his life. We need to give these people a second chance and let them know the conditions for that opportunity.”
