A proposed bill in Ohio would require a court to consider a person's military service when sentencing for misdemeanor or felony charges, the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council in Ohio reports. A judge would have to take into account whether the offender has an emotional, mental or physical condition that can be traced to military service that contributed to the commission of the crime. 

James Gilbert, director of the Union Veterans Council, said:

I applaud the efforts of the Ohio Senate and the advocacy of Ohio union veterans to ensure that veterans in Ohio have a compassionate, fair and understanding judicial system.  

The bipartisan bill, S.B. 330, proposed by state Sen. Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman), passed in the state Senate 33-0. S.B. 330 will go to the Ohio House to be voted on before the end of the lame-duck legislative session. 

“Senate Bill 330 will ensure that the specific needs of veterans who suffer from service-related issues are considered by all of our courts here in Ohio,” said Schiavoni.