Antonio Testifies on Bill to Abolish Death Penalty

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Senator Stephen A. Huffman (R-Tipp City) provided sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 101, which would abolish the death penalty in Ohio and instead pursue life without parole for capital crimes.

“Abolishing the death penalty is a moral imperative,” said Antonio. “Not only is capital punishment a flawed and unjust practice that disproportionately impacts communities of color and those who are economically disadvantaged, but it is also expensive, does not deter crime and risks the execution of innocent people. It is time for Ohio to join the growing number of states that have abolished this outdated and ineffective system.”

Ohio’s 11 death row exonerees are evidence that the death penalty is expensive, impractical, unjust and erroneous. The majority of Ohioans support outlawing capital punishment, and according to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, abolishing the practice could save the state between $128 million and $384 million.  

“This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue. No matter what a person’s reason is for supporting this legislation, it is critical for our own collective humanity that we end this draconian punishment,” said Antonio. “It is our responsibility to work together across party lines and legislative chambers to move forward and end the death penalty in Ohio. With such bipartisan support, Ohio can finally take this pragmatic, economically prudent and principled step.”

Leader Antonio has introduced legislation to end the death penalty in every General Assembly since 2011, with increased support each time. Senate Bill 101 has bipartisan support and cosponsorship from more than one-third of the General Assembly, including Senators Blessing (R-Cincinnati), Craig (D-Columbus), DeMora (D-Columbus), Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo), Ingram (D-Cincinnati), Lang (R-West Chester), Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) Roegner (R-Hudson), Smith (D-Euclid), and Sykes (D-Akron).

If passed, Ohio would become the 24th state to abolish the death penalty.

Senate Bill 101 now awaits further hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee.