The governor of Ohio has signed a major criminal justice reform bill that will let cities facilitate mass expungements for people with certain drug-related convictions, including marijuana possession of up to 200 grams, while also protecting people from getting criminal records for possessing cannabis paraphernalia.
Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed the legislation from Sen. Nathan Manning (R) on Tuesday. The bill covers a wide range of issues, including sentencing reform for people in prison and broader criminal records sealing and expungements.
Key provisions of the bill came about after Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb (D) attempted to facilitate several thousand expungements for residents with marijuana possession convictions. He was told by state officials that localities don’t have that clemency authority, so the mayor worked with Manning to resolve the issue.
My administration committed early on to help remove the barrier of low-level marijuana convictions for people seeking opportunities at work or school.
SB 288 gets us there, and it shows how cities and the General Assembly can work together to address all Ohioans’ challenges. pic.twitter.com/EruJQYhtsS
— Mayor Justin M. Bibb (@MayorBibb) January 3, 2023
County prosecutors and city law directors will now be able to apply for expungements for fourth degree
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