McColley Introduces Bipartisan Bail Reform Bill

COLUMBUS—State Senator Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) today introduced Senate Bill 182, a bipartisan bail reform bill that would repeal the current bail requirements, and replace it with a system based on a person’s ability to pay. "Every person is entitled to the presumption of innocence, and our current bail system has failed Ohioans in respecting that presumption, resulting in inequitable treatment and verdicts," McColley said. "This bill puts into place a set of procedures to make this system more responsive to the resources of the individuals and operates under the presumption that everyone is innocent." Cincinnati native Shameka Parrish Wright works as an operations manager for the Bail Project. “The presumption of innocence only existed on paper,” she said referring to case she faced 25 years ago where she was the victim, but found herself jailed. “I lost my job, I almost lost my apartment and I was mostly worried about getting back to my daughter.” Senate Bill 182 requires a hearing be conducted 48 hours after detention to determine the conditions of release for that individual. This hearing would take into account the resources an individual has when setting cash bail. To watch today's press conference introducing the bill, click here. For more information on the legislation visit www.legislature.ohio.gov.