Senate Sends Johnson Bill Assisting Incarcerated Veterans To Governor

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate sent Senate Bill 179 to Governor DeWine for signature. Sponsored by Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), this legislation verifies the veteran status of incarcerated individuals to better connect them with local veteran services.

"Returning to civilian life is not easy for service members, and some fall off the right path," said Senator Johnson. "This legislation gives those who fought for our country a fair second chance. By giving incarcerated veterans access to veteran services organizations, I believe many will be rehabilitated and will be able to reintegrate into their civilian lives."

SB 179 requires correctional institutions to integrate their jail registries into the Veteran Reentry Search Service (VRSS) program. VRSS allows those in the judicial system to identify and track inmates using their military record, which will be used to connect inmates to a corresponding veterans organization.

Additionally, this bill allows county veterans services commissions to establish outreach and coordination programs with other agencies to enhance veterans' services within a country. This aid can include financial assistance to a veterans' treatment court and assistance in the hiring and compensation of a person who will work in the outreach program. 

The legislation was amended by the Ohio House to streamline the process for localities to access the VRSS.

The Ohio Senate sent SB 179 to Governor DeWine for Signature.