What is SB 256?

Senate Bill 256, more appropriately titled the Teen Killer Empowerment Act (TKEA), went into effect on April 12, 2021. Senate Bill 256 bans life without parole (LWOP) for all juvenile offenders with the narrow exception of triple homicide offenders. Juveniles who murder one person are required to be eligible for parole after no more than 25 years while juveniles who murder two people or who murder during terrorist attacks are required to be eligible for parole after no more than 30 years. Juveniles who commit non-homicide offenses are required to be eligible for parole after no more than 18 years. SB 256 also requires that juvenile offenders be eligible for parole every five years–Ohio law previously allowed a maximum 10-year period between parole hearings for juvenile criminals (the maximum time period between parole hearings for adult criminals is still 10 years). These changes apply retroactively. Read this page for a more detailed analysis of the Teen Killer Empowerment Act.

Learn More About SB 256 And Our Coalition

What’s Wrong With SB 256?

Here we explain why we oppose SB 256.

Myths v Facts

This page debunks the various myths regarding life without parole (LWOP) for juveniles.

Resources

Learn more about the issue of juvenile LWOP.

Help Fight For Justice

This page lists what you can do to help us fight for justice. One thing you can do is donate to our cause.