Cuyahoga County Jail Deaths Inspire Reform Legislation

LAKEWOOD, OH — State Senator Nickie Antonio introduced more legislation to improve Ohio's jails. Her latest proposal, filed in tandem with State Rep. Jeff Crossman, would impose stricter compliance deadlines for local jails. The legislation was spurred by a string of deaths at Cuyahoga County Jail.

The bill would give the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC) tools to use against jails that don't comply with state standards. The legislation would also create a commission to study what needs to be done to support the state's local jails.

“Senator Antonio and I spent several months seeking answers on how our local jails operate and where we can stand to make improvements to assist local governments across Ohio,” said Crossman, a Democrat from Parma. “We believe that this legislation is a significant step forward in ensuring our local jails are operating in compliance with our State’s minimum standards.”

Fixing Ohio's jails became a priority for Crossman and Antonio after nine people died in one year at the Cuyahoga County Jail. Both state senators said they believe many of the state's local jails are not in compliance with Ohio's minimum jail standards.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Governor DeWine, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections and county jail officials to collaborate on creating impactful public policy that will serve to hold our jails accountable and provide safety for all Ohioans,” said Antonio, a Democrat from Lakewood. “We look forward to future deliberations on this legislation.”

Last week, Antonio introduced "Sean's Law," which would establish protocols for inmates at Ohio jails who are at risk of suffering withdrawal from drugs, alcohol or benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium).

The legislation is named after R&B singer Sean LeVert who died in 2008 while in custody at Cuyahoga County Jail. He was denied his prescription medication, Xanax, and died from the complications. He was 39.