Licking Today

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 131, a bipartisan initiative aimed at eliminating quotas for arrests and citations within law enforcement agencies. The bill was sponsored by State Representative Kevin Miller (R-Newark) and State Representative Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake).

The legislation seeks to prioritize the quality of police work over the quantity of tickets issued, with an aim to foster positive relationships between community members and law enforcement officers. Currently, it is permissible under state law for officers to be required to issue a certain number of tickets daily.

Representative Miller stated, "Passing this legislation would give Ohioans confidence that their police force is looking out for their best interest and issuing tickets for the sole purpose of furthering public safety – not to meet an arbitrary ticket quota or generate additional revenue for the city."

The bill has garnered support from both the law enforcement community and civil justice reform advocates. It now awaits consideration by the Ohio Senate.