“ What’s the 411 with Issue 1?”

Election Day is in the first week of November and this is where we have a chance to decide who we want in the Congressional house, and what issues we want passed for the better of our community. This year we have a new issue on the ballot and it’s been ruffling a few feathers. Issue one will be presented on this years ballot in hopes of being approved, which will then come with the changing of drug and law enforcement laws. Issue one will be in place to stop unnecessary spending of state funds. Basically, it’s been becoming costly housing non-violent drug offenders in county jails and state prisons. The funds will be put towards drug rehabilitative services and mental health services in order to help those living with these problems, and the prevention.

If passed non-violent drug offenders caught with drugs in their possession up to an allowed amount, will not receive jail time for the offense. Instead of spending funds in housing the offender in prison, the courts will charge the offender with a misdemeanor and possibly send him to rehabilitation. This does not apply to someone caught trafficking drugs with the intent to sell. Issue one requires state regulated funds be spent on substance abuse treatment programs, rehabilitative programs, probation programs,crime victim programs, and graduated responses programs. Prisons will have programs for current inmates which will allow sentencing credits for early release when inmates participate and complete the programs. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections will have the ability to grant 0.5 day credit towards their sentencing for each day the inmates participate in the provided programs. Inmates will also be able to receive up to and additional thirty days of sentencing credits upon successful completion of the program. Issue one will not apply to offender convicted of violent crimes; such as, rape, molestation and murder. This issue is geared towards decreasing the incarceration of undeserved people, give them help with their drug problem, bring families back together, and keep violent people off the streets. For more information please visit www.sos.state.oh.us

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