Ohio News Digest

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio Senate lawmakers are considering a bill aimed at saving money and the amount of time some inmates spend in jail before sentencing.

The bill makes the preparation of a presentence report optional if both the prosecution and defense agree.

Supporters say preparing a report can cost up to $800 and take three to six weeks, during which time an offender is often still in jail.

The bill eliminates that requirement when an offender will be sentenced to some type of probation rather than prison time, though a judge can still order it.

The Ohio House approved the bill in May. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee scheduled another hearing Wednesday.

The Ohio Supreme Court calls presentence investigations in non-prison felony cases “excessive and unwarranted.”

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COLUMBUS (AP) — The amount of heroin found in a person’s possession that would trigger maximum punishment under state law would be decreased under a bill in the Ohio Legislature.

The proposal decreases the amount from 250 grams to 100 grams, which includes a maximum prison sentence of up to 11 years if convicted and having the defendant classified as a major drug offender.

Supporters say the bill is needed to address the state’s growing heroin epidemic.

The Ohio House approved the measure last year. It’s got a hearing in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee Wednesday.

The most recent state data say a record 1,177 people died of heroin-related overdoses in 2014.

The State Public Defender’s Office, which opposes the bill, said lawmakers should focus instead on improving treatment and addiction services.

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COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio Gov. John Kasich is getting a well-timed opportunity to sign a bill stripping government money from Planned Parenthood.

The Ohio House is poised to clear the bill Wednesday, sending it to the Republican presidential contender for his expected signature. Such a move might help Kasich with conservatives who dominate the coming GOP primary in South Carolina.

The bill’s expected passage comes a day after the New Hampshire primary, where a tough stance against Planned Parenthood might have been received with less enthusiasm by its many moderate Republican voters.

No one is acknowledging that the 2016 presidential calendar might have played a part in when Kasich would get the bill.

Ohio’s House Speaker has said Kasich’s bid has no bearing on the issues that come before his chamber.