Criminal Justice (Corrections)

To enact sections 341.28, 753.34, and 5120.6511 of the Revised Code to require all inmate pregnancy outcomes to be reported to the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

To amend section 2929.18 of the Revised Code to delay financial sanctions for one hundred eighty days after an offender's release from prison or completion of transitional control.

HB 397 amends Ohio's Revised Code (Section 341.25) to allow county jails to use profits from inmate commissary sales for additional purposes beyond current restrictions. This directly affects county jails managing these funds, as it expands their flexibility in allocating commissary profits. The key change is removing specific limitations on fund usage, permitting counties to direct these profits toward other operational needs as permitted by law, without creating new spending requirements. The bill focuses solely on reallocating existing revenue streams, not increasing funding.

HB 393 requires community-based correctional facilities (like halfway houses or work release programs) to help inmates obtain state identification cards before their release. This applies specifically to individuals transitioning from community-based programs back into the general population. The bill mandates facilities provide assistance with ID applications, including necessary forms and documentation. This ensures released individuals have essential identification for accessing housing, employment, and public services.