Rachel Coyle · June 14, 2021

YOU Can Help Reform Ohio’s Cruel Cash Bail System. Here’s How.

Every day, as many as 12,000 Ohioans who have NOT been convicted of a crime sit in jail, simply because they can’t afford bail. This means they can’t work, pay bills, or take care of their kids.

At the same time, rich Ohioans accused of the SAME CRIME get to pay their way out and go home.

Thanks to two new bipartisan bills (HB 315 and SB 182), we finally have a chance to reform Ohio’s cruel cash bail system. But we need your help.

This week, SB 182 will have a proponent (supporter) hearing at the Statehouse. Wednesday, June 16th, at 3:00 PM, in the North Hearing Room.

Want to testify in support of this bill? Or submit written-only testimony? Follow this simple process:

HOW TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY (in-person OR written-only):

• 1. Write your testimony.
  • See testimony template below.
  • What this bill would do
  • Ohio’s bail system: Current vs Proposed
  • Bail reform would save Ohio LOTS of money
  • Ohio’s current cash bail system is racist
  • Bail reform is popular
  • Short bail reform video
  • OHbailreform.com

• 2. Fill out a witness slip.
  • Copy/paste this generic witness slip into a Word document and email it along with your testimony.

• 3. Email your testimony and witness slip to Committee Chair Nathan Manning’s office: Manning@OhioSenate.gov
  • DEADLINE to submit testimony is TUESDAY, June 15th, at 3:00 pm.

If you’re submitting written-only testimony, that’s it! You’re done! You officially testified! If you’re testifying in-person, see below.

• 4. Arrive at the Statehouse before the committee is scheduled to begin.
  • Park either in the garage underneath the Statehouse or the Columbus Commons Parking Garage.
  • Note: you’ll need to go through a metal detector when you arrive.
  • You can ask the security guards to direct you to the committee room where your hearing is being held.

• 5. Bring a printed copy of your testimony with you to read in front of the committee (you do not have to read your testimony word for word).

• 6. You may also want to bring copies to hand to reporters – You can contact reporters ahead of time to let them know you (and your group) will be testifying!

—TESTIMONY TEMPLATE—

Chairman Manning, Vice Chair McColley, Ranking Member Thomas, and members of the Senate Judiciary Committee,

Thank you for allowing me to testify today. My name is ________. I am [basic bio about yourself]. I am strongly in favor of SB 182, which would reform Ohio's [cruel / racist / expensive / etc.] cash bail system.

[Then tell them why SB 182 is so important! Make it short and sweet -  a few paragraphs is perfect. Tell a personal story. Or explain why your job experience gives you perspective on the bill. Maybe cite statistics or studies to back up your claims]

I ask you to consider my testimony and vote YES on this [important / life-saving / cost saving / desperately needed / etc.] bill. Thank you again for the opportunity to testify.

[IF TESTIFYING IN PERSON] I will now take any questions you may have.

AFTER YOU ARE FINISHED SPEAKING, legislators may ask you questions.

• They are more likely to ask questions if you provide data/statistics or present yourself as having professional experience related to the bill.
• This part of the process can be incredibly persuasive! But be prepared to back up your testimony!

Questions? Email Rachel Coyle: Coyle@InnovationOhio.org