Senate passes “smart on crime” bill that sends fewer to prison. Awaiting action of the governor.

House Bill 86 is making a number of reforms to Ohio’s criminal justice system. The bill is designed to put low-level offenders in community correction programs rather than sending them to prison. Some say the new criminal sentencing bill is putting crime back on the streets while others say that the prison population is too high as it is, especially for non-violent crimes. The dramatic changes are expected to save the state more than $46 million over the next four years, according to Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. How do you feel about the new bill?

Track House Bill 86 here.
Read bill text here.