Representative Abrams Introduces Reagan Tokes and Patrick Heringer Act

COLUMBUS—State Representative Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) today introduced the Reagan Tokes and Patrick Heringer Act, legislation to protect Ohioans from violent offenders on Post Release Control.

Post Release Control is a period of supervision following an individual’s release from prison that aims to ensure a safe transition back into society. Tragically, both Reagan Tokes and Patrick Heringer were murdered by offenders on Post Release Control, exposing gaps in the system that this legislation seeks to address.

Key provisions of the bill include: 

• Gives judges increased discretion to send repeat or problem offenders to prison;
• Defines targeted violent offender;
• Requires warrants for tier one offenses or detention violations issued by any law enforcement agency, including the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC), to be entered into the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) and the appropriate National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database within 48 hours;
• Requires notification to the 9-1-1 call center within 48 hours of a warrant being issued; and
• Requires the DRC to contract with a single vendor for continuous GPS monitoring of offenders in real-time where the system can specify and monitor the restrictions of an offender to include inclusionary and exclusionary zones, curfew times, and a crime scene correlation program.

“This legislation is about keeping people safe and preventing tragic, devastating crimes like the aggravated murders of Reagan Tokes and Patrick Heringer,” said Abrams. “Without public safety, nothing else matters.”

House Bill 667 awaits a committee assignment.