COLUMBUS (AP) \u2014 Ohio Senate lawmakers are considering a bill aimed at saving money and the amount of time some inmates spend in jail before sentencing.<\/p>\n
The bill makes the preparation of a presentence report optional if both the prosecution and defense agree.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Ohio House approved the bill in May. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee scheduled another hearing Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The Ohio Supreme Court calls presentence investigations in non-prison felony cases “excessive and unwarranted.”<\/p>\n
COLUMBUS (AP) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Supporters say the bill is needed to address the state’s growing heroin epidemic.<\/p>\n
The Ohio House approved the measure last year. It’s got a hearing in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The most recent state data say a record 1,177 people died of heroin-related overdoses in 2014.<\/p>\n
The State Public Defender’s Office, which opposes the bill, said lawmakers should focus instead on improving treatment and addiction services.<\/p>\n
COLUMBUS (AP) \u2014 Ohio Gov. John Kasich is getting a well-timed opportunity to sign a bill stripping government money from Planned Parenthood.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
No one is acknowledging that the 2016 presidential calendar might have played a part in when Kasich would get the bill.<\/p>\n
Ohio’s House Speaker has said Kasich’s bid has no bearing on the issues that come before his chamber.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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