Crime victims would be paid under new bill

COLUMBUS

Individuals convicted of violent crimes would be forced to pay restitution to their victims under legislation being introduced in the Ohio House.

The proposed legislation also would enable victims to provide more comment during sentencing hearings and ensure they receive updates on the legal maneuverings of offenders.

Democrat Reps. Ray Pryor, from Chillicothe, and Dan Stewart, from Columbus, are calling their legislation the Ohio Crime Victims Bill of Rights.

“We need to protect the rights of the person that is charged with a crime,” Pryor said. “But we also want the crime victims to have their rights, and we need to be concerned that [we are] treating the victims of crime fairly and with compassion.”

The legislation would require individuals convicted of violent felonies or misdemeanors to make restitution to their victims as part of the criminal-court proceedings.

It would allow crime victims (including family and friends) to provide both verbal and written testimony during the sentencing process.

They currently are allowed to do one or the other, not both.

The legislation also would require any new information about offenders, such as parole hearings or early release details, to be provided to victims.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Ohio and the Crime Victims Association of Ohio already have announced their support for the legislation.