[Press Release] COLUMBUS- ResponsibleOhio today announced that they have begun collecting signatures for the Fresh Start Act, a proposal to offer a clean slate for people who received the unfair and harsh punishment associated with minor marijuana infractions.
The Fresh Start Act proposes sentencing review and expungement of criminal records for people with past marijuana convictions, when an offense is no longer a violation of the law.
“This is an important step towards social justice, and giving many disadvantaged Ohioans the fresh start they deserve. We are proud to work within our communities and to partner closely with social justice and faith leaders on this issue,” said Jennifer Redman, Internal Communications Director for ResponsibleOhio.
ResponsibleOhio aims to collect approximately 92,000 valid signatures by the close of 2015 in order to be considered by the Ohio legislature. If the legislature refuses to act in the first four months of 2016, ResponsibleOhio will collect an additional 92,000 valid signatures and ask Ohioans to consider the proposal during the November 2016 election.
Even though Ohio has decriminalized marijuana statewide, which made most marijuana charges misdemeanors, many local governments quietly increased their penalties in response. A recent American Bar Association study also found that there are still over 300 legal consequences for a single misdemeanor conviction in Ohio. These long-lasting consequences include inability to obtain employment, obtain public housing, and even the loss of eligibility for financial aid for higher education.
“It is time that we should do what is right, and help deserving people get a clean slate to restart their lives,” continued Redman. ResponsibleOhio recently submitted an additional 95,572 supplemental signatures and 27,585 voter registrations to the Ohio Secretary of State for the Marijuana Legalization Amendment. This brings the total number of signatures submitted to nearly 800,000 since mid April.
