Committee to consider bill on drug sentences

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

A bill designed to reduce low-level drug possessions to misdemeanors and increase penalties for drug dealers is before an Ohio Senate committee.

The legislation is part of a long-running attempt by lawmakers to reduce Ohio’s prison population.

The Senate Judiciary Committee recently heard testimony on the bill.

Ohio Public Defender Tim Young testified that new policies are needed and the state can’t “incarcerate” its way out of the drug crisis. He said about 1,600 people are in Ohio prisons for low-level possession.

Louis Tobin, executive director of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, said that group supports the spirit of the bill but thinks the amount of drug doses defined as low-level is too high.

Republican House Speaker Larry Householder said he expects the House to come up with its own plan.