Rep. Meredith Lawson-Rowe Votes "NO" on House Bill 5, Citing Concerns Over Judicial Discretion and Mass Incarceration

COLUMBUS— State Rep. Meredith Lawson-Rowe (D-Reynoldsburg) today voted “NO” on House Bill (HB) 5, legislation that proposes sweeping changes to Ohio's criminal sentencing and firearm laws. The bill includes constructive reforms, such as record-sealing opportunities and enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. 

"This bill reopens the door to mass incarceration by tying the hands of judges and ignoring the lessons of the past," said Rep. Lawson-Rowe. "Mandatory minimums don't make us safer. They make our system less fair."

Key concerns raised by Rep. Lawson-Rowe include:

• Return to failed 1990s-era policies: Mandatory minimum sentences in HB 5 echo the policies that fueled mass incarceration, disproportionately impacting communities of color without producing long-term public safety benefits. Research has shown that such sentences do not deter crime but do contribute to overburdened prison systems.
• Erosion of judicial discretion: The bill's rigid sentencing provisions prevent judges from exercising case-by-case judgment, a core principle of a fair and balanced justice system. Judges must retain the ability to consider individual circumstances when determining sentences.
• Increased risk of harm from gun policy changes: By reducing penalties for certain weapons under disability violations and changing firearm specification standards, the bill could allow individuals with dangerous histories to regain access to firearms prematurely, putting communities at risk.

While Rep. Lawson-Rowe acknowledged some positive elements of the bill, such as enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and a clearer path to record sealing, she emphasized that public safety cannot come at the cost of fairness and evidence-based policy. 

"Ohio needs smart justice, not blanket punishment," said Rep. Lawson-Rowe. "We should be investing in intervention and rehabilitation, not locking more people away without a chance at redemption."

Rep. Lawson-Rowe remains committed to working with community organizations, law enforcement, and her colleagues to find balanced solutions that protect the public while reducing recidivism and supporting second chances.

House Bill 5 passed the House with a 71-24 vote. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.