Senate Passes Johnson Bill to Assist Incarcerated Veterans

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 179, sponsored by Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), which verifies the veteran status of incarcerated individuals to better connect them with a veteran services organization.

"By giving imprisoned veterans a fair second chance, it is my belief that many will flourish and become truly productive members of society," said Senator Johnson. "This legislation will succeed in connecting our veterans to the essential resources and communities they need to fully reintegrate into civilian life. We owe these veterans that much as Ohio strives to become an even more military supportive state."

Senate Bill 179 requires correctional institutions to ingrate into their jail registries the Veteran Reentry Search Service (VRSS) program. VRSS allows those in the judicial system to identify and track inmates using their military record, this will be used to connect inmates to a corresponding veterans organization. SB 179 also requires local County Veterans Services Commissions to assist veteran treatment courts in establishing an outreach program for incarcerated veterans.

Senate Bill 179 now heads to the Ohio House of Representatives for further consideration.