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Amend HB 338 – Now

Protect Reentry Services and Education Pathways in Ohio Prisons

Below is a comprehensive analysis of pending and actively moving legislation that could fundamentally reshape reentry preparation and reintegration for thousands of incarcerated Ohioans and their families.

We are calling on advocates, families, justice-impacted people, clergy and faith communities, prison educators, and reentry professionals to learn what this bill would do — and to use your voice now. Without changes, this legislation risks creating sweeping and harmful changes to Ohio’s prison and reentry systems.

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Link for a TAKE ACTION Flier to use during Reentry Events and for Public Engagement (NEW!)

Background

The Genesis of Andy's Law

Introduced June 5, 2025, by Representatives Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe) and Phil Plummer (R-Dayton), this legislation honors Correction Officer Andrew "Andy" Lansing, who died following a violent assault on Christmas morning 2024 at Ross Correctional Institution.

The bill aims to "restore order, accountability and deterrence through a series of sweeping reforms" with the focus on protecting those serving in Ohio prisons. In November 2025, the Ohio House passed the legislation with only three Democratic lawmakers voting to oppose it.

The bill was a response to Officer Lansing's death and attempts to address violence in prisons through reducing services and ramping up penalties for all individuals in Level 3 and above institutions. This approach creates sweeping changes that limit access to education, tablets, and contact visits, while also establishing additional provisions like a publicly available registry for anyone accused by staff of violating institutional rules (such as romantic relationships or any contact between incarcerated people).

Critical Issue

Hidden Reentry Provisions

Public Awareness Gap

Most stakeholders only know about the tough-on-violence and anti-drug provisions in the first half of the bill

Administrative Changes

The last four pages contain significant ODRC rules and regulations changes affecting reentry preparation

OALRC Focus

Primary concern is the bill's impact on reentry preparation, social support, and successful reintegration

Who Will Be Impacted

The term "high security facility" appears throughout the bill but lacks consistent definition, creating significant ambiguity about who is affected. According to the October 2025 ODRC Population Counts:

2,300

Level 4 & Higher

5% of all incarcerated individuals in Ohio

11,600

Level 3 & Higher

25% of all incarcerated individuals affected by provisions

The Major Issues of Concern

ORC 5120.012: Education Elimination

"Require the elimination of all higher education programs at high security state correctional institutions"

ORC 5120.491: New Public Registry

The Director shall establish a Department of Rehabilitation and Correction registry of sex offenders, listing inmates who violate the department's rules of behavior for sexual offenses.

This registry will be accessible to the public, and a person will remain on it for 10 years following end of sentence or supervision - whichever is longer.

ORC 5120.012: Tablet Restrictions

"Require that inmates at high security institutions shall not be assigned a tablet for personal use. Inmates who are at high security institutions may only use tablets during limited time frames and on a shared basis."

ORC 5120.012: Contact Visit Elimination

Removes contact visitation in all Level 3 and 4 institutions

Background

The Political Reality

Overwhelming House Support

The bill passed the House by a large majority, indicating that stopping major sections will be very challenging

Strategic Approach Required

Given the political landscape, strategy must be realistic and efficient, focusing on achievable amendments rather than full opposition

Senate Opportunity

High-profile House members expect amendments in the Senate, though the House must still concur with any Senate changes

A Short Window

The Senate returns at the end of the month and will have an abbreviated work calendar due to midterm campaigning

Reentry Focused Amendments We Want to See Changed in the Bill:

01

Protect Higher Education Access

Remove limitations on higher education in Level 3 and 4 facilities and maintain current eligibility policies

02

Eliminate New Registry

Reverse course on creating another registry in ALL institutions and invest in practices that create accountability without collateral consequences

03

Preserve Communication Tools

Ensure personal communication devices remain as accessible as the current practice

04

Maintain Contact Visitation

Maintain visitation as is for high security prisons. This is important for maintaining family and support, also critical for parents with kids.

Urgent

Into Action: What You Can Do Now

Our network is late to engagement, and the battle is steeply uphill. Immediate action from all stakeholders is essential to achieve meaningful amendments.

1. Contact Representatives

Call Representatives who voted yes and ask why they voted to cut education and communication access for those preparing for reentry. Tagging on social media can be an effective way to garner attention.

2. Educate Impacted Communities

Send emails and make calls to those affected by the cuts, explaining the real-world consequences for reentry success and public safety. Invite them to contribute as their capacity allows.

3. Engage Senators

Senators covering large metro areas where reentry is more common as well as leadership on the TBD Senate Committee are good starting points.

4. Organize Diverse Coalitions

Arrange office visits bringing together impacted persons, faith leaders, reentry coalition representatives, and loved ones of the incarcerated.

Senate Judiciary

Senate Judiciary Committee Contacts

The Senate Judiciary Committee will review HB 338. Regular meetings are held Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m. in the North Hearing Room.https://ohiosenate.gov/committees/judiciary

Committee Clerk: Lindsay Murch, 614-644-7613 | Partisan Breakdown: 5 Republicans, 2 Democrats

Community Action

How to Contribute

Educate Your Networks

  • Impact on public safety
  • Communication access loss
  • Registry consequences
  • Reentry best practices

Amplify Impacted Voices

  • 14,000+ families affected
  • Directly impacted individuals
  • Faith leaders
  • Reentry coalitions

Ground in Shared Values

  • Safety for all
  • Support for staff
  • Evidence-based practices
  • Due process standards


This effort is supported by the Ohio Association of Local Reentry Coalitions — made up of reentry organizations, faith leaders, service providers, and advocates committed to strengthening reentry, workforce development, and public safety in Ohio.

For more information, contact: OHReentryAdvocacy@gmail.com