COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 131, legislation that would prohibit law enforcement agencies across the state from imposing quotas on officers for arrests or citations. The bill, passed on May 28, aims to shift policing priorities from meeting numerical targets to focusing on community engagement and quality enforcement.
Introduced in late February by Reps. Kevin D. Miller (R–Newark) and Bride Rose Sweeney (D–Westlake), the bill garnered bipartisan support, passing committee by a 9-1 vote before being approved by the full House. It was also cosponsored by Rep. Cindy Abrams (R–Harrison) and Rep. Juanita Brent (D–Cleveland).
Supporters argue that the bill strengthens the relationship between police and the public by removing incentives that could pressure officers into unnecessary enforcement actions.
“It just makes sense,” said Rep. David Thomas (R–Jefferson), who voted in favor. “This is consumer protection. While we are grateful to our first responders, we also need to protect our taxpayers and residents against unnecessary fines and fees.”
The bill has earned praise from advocacy groups and law enforcement leaders alike, including Ohio Families Unite for Political Action and Change and Robert Butler, President of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.
“Quotas undermine the very foundation of our profession,” said Butler. “They erode public trust by creating an environment where officers are pressured to issue citations or make arrests not based on the merits of each situation, but to meet arbitrary numbers.”
Despite broad support, not all law enforcement voices are in agreement. Mike Crispin, President of the Central Ohio Chief’s Association, testified against the bill, arguing that it could be too restrictive and potentially discourage proactive policing.
House Bill 131 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.
