State Senator Nathan Manning, along with State Representatives Jeff LaRe and Darnell T. Brewer, announced on Apr. 23 the introduction of Senate Bill 425 and House Bill 830. The legislation is aimed at reducing violent crime in Ohio by improving the rate at which such cases are solved.
The proposed bills focus on increasing Ohio’s clearance rate for violent crimes, which currently stands at only 34 percent. This means that about two-thirds of violent crimes go unsolved each year in the state. The new measures seek to provide local law enforcement agencies with more resources and strategies to help close these cases.
“We want to help our police by providing them with the resources necessary to close more of these cases,” said Senator Nathan Manning. “By utilizing data collection and providing more funding opportunities for equipment and training that officers need, Ohio departments will be better equipped to clear these older cases. This will not only provide closure for victims, but also significantly reduce crime across the state.”
The legislation would create a competitive grant program for municipal police departments and county sheriff’s offices, supporting evidence-based approaches like focused deterrence, hotspot policing, enhanced investigative capacity—including funding for staffing, overtime, DNA testing—and technology upgrades to track patterns or manage warrant backlogs. At least one-fifth of all grant funds must target clearance rates until they reach over 75 percent statewide; agencies must also report detailed data on case outcomes and submit to independent evaluations.
Representative LaRe said: “Public safety depends on the certainty of consequences… This bill isn’t just about more funding; it’s about smarter policing and ensuring that when a violent crime is committed, an arrest follows.” Representative Brewer added: “By investing in forensic technology and dedicated investigative staffing… we are telling victims that their cases matter… This is a common-sense, bipartisan step toward real public safety.”
Manning has worked on policies supporting second chance opportunities while safeguarding vulnerable populations according to his official Senate biography. He has supported bipartisan measures enhancing public safety and promoting criminal justice reforms according to his official Senate biography. Manning previously chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee after serving in the Ohio House of Representatives according to his official Senate biography. He has lived all his life in Lorain County according to his official Senate biography and represents areas including all of Lorain County as well as parts of Huron County according to his official Senate biography.
As efforts continue around this legislation, supporters say it could have broad implications for public safety across Ohio by strengthening law enforcement’s ability to resolve serious crimes.
