A comprehensive sentencing reform bill which includes a couple positive marijuana provisions has been signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine.
Among many other changes, Senate Bill 288 would make it so that the possession of marijuana paraphernalia does “not constitute a criminal record”. The measure also establishes a process that allows marijuana possession charges to be sealed from public view after six months and expunged entirely after three years. It was passed by the Senate 29 to 2, and passed by the House of Representatives 86 to 8.
“The adoption of this law will make it so that tens of thousands of Ohioans are no longer stigmatized and disenfranchised by the collateral consequences resulting from a minor marijuana violation,” says Jax James, NORML’s State Policy Manager. “People should not have their lives derailed for behaviors that most Americans no longer even believe ought to be a crime.”
Senate Bill 288 would also:
- Increase credit eligibility from current 8% to 15% in reduction of prison term for active participation or completion of constructive programs, helping accelerate an eligible offenders success after release.
- Modify the current “Good Samaritan” law by expanding immunity from prosecution for minor drug possession offenses.
- Strengthen penalties for domestic violent offenders by increasing the penalties from strangulation or suffocation to a felony domestic violence conviction.
You can view the full text of Senate Bill 288 by clicking here.
