Local Government News
Ohio Senate Passes Bill Closing Loophole for Survivors of Sexual Assault
The Ohio Senate has passed House Bill 161, a significant step towards closing a loophole for survivors of sexual assault in the state. The bill aims to eliminate spousal exceptions for certain sex offenses, allowing victims to testify against their spouses in the prosecution of these cases.Senator Kunze expressed gratitude for the passing of HB 161, emphasizing the importance of the protections it will provide to survivors. Kunze, who has been a long-time advocate for such legislation, highlighted the need to empower survivors to come forward and share their stories....
Ohio Senate Passes Kunze Bill Providing Hope for Human Trafficking Survivors
COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate has approved Senate Bill 214, sponsored by State Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Dublin), aiming to offer a fresh start for survivors of human trafficking. The bill focuses on allowing survivors to expunge certain criminal records, providing them with opportunities for a better future.Under the provisions of Senate Bill 214, survivors of human trafficking will be eligible to apply for record expungement if they have been convicted of specific offenses and can demonstrate that these convictions are a direct result of being victims of human trafficking....