Ohio House Passes Bill to Ban Police Ticket Quotas

A Step Toward Fair Policing
On May 28, 2025, the Ohio House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 131, a bipartisan effort to eliminate police ticket and arrest quotas across the state. Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark) and Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake), the bill aims to shift law enforcement’s focus from revenue generation to public safety. By banning quotas, it seeks to restore public trust, which is often eroded when citizens perceive tickets as driven by arbitrary targets rather than genuine safety concerns.

Why It Matters

Ticket quotas, though legal in Ohio until now, have long been criticized for pressuring officers to prioritize citations over community-oriented policing. Rep. Sweeney emphasized that quotas force officers to focus on quantity over quality. This would undermine their ability to address serious crimes. Similarly, Sen. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville), whose son died during a police pursuit. Highlighted the safety risks quotas impose on officers during traffic stops. Moreover, the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association and Fraternal Order of Police back the bill. Noting that quotas create unnecessary tension between officers and communities.

Addressing Concerns and Opposition
Despite its unanimous passage, some police chiefs, such as Mike Crispin of the Central Ohio Chiefs of Police Association, expressed concerns. They argue that performance metrics are essential for accountability. The bill might hinder oversight of underperforming officers. However, supporters counter that officer discretion should guide enforcement, not arbitrary numbers. Additionally, the bill includes a mechanism for anonymous reporting of quota violations to the Ohio Attorney General’s office. The consequence of this would be to issue cease-and-desist orders.

Looking Ahead
As House Bill 131 moves to the Ohio Senate, its progress is promising. With Senate Bill 114 already passing unanimously in April. If enacted, Ohio would join 25 other states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, in banning quotas. Consequently, this could foster stronger community-police relations and prioritize safety over revenue.

Ohio House Passes Bill to Ban Police Ticket Quotas  was originally published on wiznation.com