The Buckeye Institute has presented testimony to the Ohio House State and Local Government Committee regarding Ohio Senate Bill 198. This legislation aims to assist formerly incarcerated individuals in obtaining necessary documents for stable housing and employment.
Greg R. Lawson, a research fellow at The Buckeye Institute, emphasized that “post-release employment is the most predictive factor of recidivism,” highlighting the importance of job-related policies for public safety. He stated that efforts begin in prison by “helping soon-to-be-released individuals obtain the documents they will need to secure stable housing and employment after incarceration.”
Senate Bill 198 mandates Ohio’s departments of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) and Youth Services (DYS) to provide inmates nearing release with identification documents essential for employment. These include a certified birth certificate, social security card, and vocational training records. The bill also requires initiating applications for a driver’s license or state photo ID nine months before release and allows the registrar of motor vehicles to expedite these processes.
Additionally, the bill obliges DRC to aid inmates in preparing résumés that showcase their skills from learned trades—a crucial measure against recidivism due to the link between educational programs in prison and successful post-release employment. It also requires documenting practice interviews and informing inmates about occupational licensing eligibility upon release.
Lawson noted that “at least 21 states already provide some sort of similar document and employment-preparation assistance.” Senate Bill 198 builds on Ohio’s existing certificate of qualification for employment program, which supports employers hiring individuals with criminal records. These measures aim to promote a safer society by reducing recidivism through improved post-incarceration support.
