COLUMBUS -State Representatives D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) and Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.) yesterday held a press conference on the Ohio Holly Act, newly introduced legislation that aims to protect Ohioans from violent offenders by reforming bail requirements.

The Ohio Holly Act will require judges to utilize risk assessment tools to determine a violent offender's likelihood of reoffending and causing serious physical harm to another person or the community before setting bail.

Additionally, if an offender fails to appear in court on the current charge or fails to respond to two or more summons, they will be prohibited from being released on a personal recognizance bond or prohibited from posting less than 25% of the bond in cash.

Finally, the legislation will establish guardrails on charitable bail by 1) prohibiting charitable organizations from posting bail for violent offenses such as domestic violence, 2) capping the amount an organization may provide towards bail, and 3) requiring annual reporting.

"The focus of this bill is on offenders that have a violent propensity and ensuring they don't cause more harm to our communities by being released on bail," said Swearingen.

"This legislation strengthens accountability in our bail system, enhances public safety, and ensures our courts have a clear, workable standard," said LaRe.

Swearingen and LaRe were joined by Justin Keener, President of Americans for Public Safety, Andy Kahan, Director of Victims Services for Houston CrimeStoppers, and Holly, a victim of violent crime who inspired the Ohio Holly Act.

"By prioritizing flight and public safety risk in bond decisions, this legislation will protect innocent victims from dangerous individuals released on bond, while ensuring due process for the accused," said Keener. "If these reforms are adopted, Ohio will become a clear national leader in enhancing victims' rights and their safety."

"Bail reform legislation is not about punishment before conviction, it's about prevention before a tragedy," said Kahan. "It's about restoring faith in our justice system, based upon risk to public safety, risk to the victim, and risk to reoffend while on bond. Once Texas passed similar legislation, we saw a dramatic drop in the number of people murdered, raped, and robbed by violent defendants who previously would have been released on bond."

The Ohio Holly Act awaits a bill number and House committee assignment.