Representative Rogers Introduces Bill to Restore Trust in Our Judicial System

COLUMBUS – State Representative Elgin Rogers, Jr. (D-Toledo) today provided sponsor testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on House Bill (HB) 501, legislation aimed at expanding restitution eligibility for wrongfully convicted Ohioans.

Under current Ohio law, individuals who have been wrongfully imprisoned may receive monetary restitution for court costs, lost wages, and time spent incarcerated. However, gaps in existing law have prevented many exonerees from accessing compensation, including individuals incarcerated as minors, those granted gubernatorial pardons, and individuals whose convictions were overturned due to Brady Rule violations.

HB 501 seeks to address these shortcomings by broadening Ohio’s definition of “wrongfully incarcerated individuals” and ensuring impacted Ohioans have a pathway to restitution and reintegration.

“HB 501 is about restoring trust in our judicial system,” said Rep. Rogers. “This is a simple fix that expands opportunity for those who have been wrongfully convicted to apply for the compensation they deserve. No amount of money can restore stolen years, missed moments with family, or the trauma of incarceration for a crime they did not commit. But what we can do is acknowledge harm, remove unnecessary barriers, and say through law that Ohio recognizes both justice and responsibility.”

HB 501 awaits further consideration from the committee.