Too Young for Prison? Ohio Pushes to Raise the Age and Rewrite Justice for Children
Juvenile justice reform is once again at the forefront of Ohio’s legislative agenda. On September 23, State Senators Paula Hicks-Hudson (D–District 11) and Nathan Manning (R–District 13) introduced Senate Bill 270, a bipartisan proposal designed to reshape how the state addresses youth involved in the justice system.
The bill follows recommendations issued in July 2024 by the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Working Group, an 11-member body composed of judges, law enforcement officials, policy experts, and faith-based service providers. Both Hicks-Hudson and Manning served as advisors to the group.
Key Provisions of Senate Bill 270
At the heart of the legislation are several changes aimed at balancing accountability with rehabilitation:
- Raising the minimum age of commitment to the Department of Youth Services (DYS) from 10 to 14 years old.
- Granting judges more discretion in cases involving firearms.
- Prohibiting the placement of first-time, non-violent felony offenders (F-4 and F-5) in DYS facilities.
These provisions reflect the bill’s broader goal: shifting from a primarily punitive framework to one that prioritizes rehabilitation and local flexibility.
Why Reform Now?
The introduction of Senate Bill 270 builds on growing recognition that early contact with the justice system can have lifelong consequences for children. By raising the minimum age for DYS commitment, the legislation acknowledges the need to treat younger children differently and give local courts greater ability to tailor interventions.
“As a lawyer whose primary and consistent work has been in the juvenile justice setting, this much-needed legislation will provide guidance for courts and juvenile service providers,” said Senator Hicks-Hudson. “We must make sure that our community and juvenile justice workers are safe, while also focusing on providing appropriate strategies to improve outcomes for children and their families.”
Emphasis on Rehabilitation
The bill also reflects the findings of the Governor’s working group, which recommended reforms to reduce reliance on a one-size-fits-all approach. Advocates argue that strengthening community-based programs, investing in local courts, and expanding rehabilitative services can help children take healthier paths while ensuring safer communities.
By keeping certain first-time non-violent offenders out of state facilities, Senate Bill 270 encourages alternatives that may be more constructive and developmentally appropriate.
Next Steps
The legislation has been formally introduced and now awaits referral to a Senate committee for further consideration. As debate unfolds, lawmakers, courts, and service providers will weigh how best to balance safety, accountability, and the long-term well-being of Ohio’s children.
Conclusion
Senate Bill 270 represents an important moment in Ohio’s ongoing conversation about juvenile justice. While the future of the bill will depend on the legislative process, its proposals signal a broader shift toward rehabilitation and individualized support for children who come into contact with the justice system. If enacted, the reforms could reshape how Ohio nurtures both accountability and opportunity for its youngest residents.
