The Ohio House recently passed House Bill 5, which aims to impose tougher prison sentences on individuals repeatedly involved in violent gun crimes, marking one of the most significant increases in state criminal penalties in decades. The bill, approved with a 71-24 vote, introduces mandatory prison terms up to 15 years for repeat offenders who illegally possess firearms or discharge them while committing an offense.
In addition to escalating penalties, HB5 seeks to streamline the process for sealing or expunging criminal records for lower-level felons, allowing eligible individuals to apply for record sealing six years after their discharge. Proponents argue that the legislation will enhance public safety by targeting repeat violent offenders, while critics voice concerns about the mandatory minimum sentences potentially harming community rehabilitation efforts.
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