Ohio now has a new law, aimed at helping ex-felons find jobs. Governor John Kasich signed the measure, which had support from Democrats and Republicans in the legislature.
The law will make it easier for the freed convicts to get drivers licenses and professional licenses. It will also let ex-cons seek declarations from a judge that they have been rehabilitated, and that way companies that hire them will be protected from lawsuits in case the former felons get into trouble on the job. Under the new law, each ex-prisoner could get more of their criminal records expunged. A co-sponsor of the measure, State Senator Shirley Smith, defends that change in this interview with statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen.
The governor signed 13 bills today.