In a groundbreaking move, the state of Ohio is one step closer to allowing voters to decide on the fate of qualified immunity for police officers and government employees, a doctrine that has long been a contentious issue in the Buckeye State.
On Monday, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost accepted a revised petition summary for a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at abolishing qualified immunity, a legal principle that shields government officials from civil lawsuits. The proposed amendment would enable individuals to sue government employees, including peace officers, for alleged violations of their constitutional rights.
The Ohio Ballot Board will now review the proposal to determine whether it should be presented to voters as a single constitutional amendment or multiple amendments. If certified, organizers will be required to collect signatures from registered voters equivalent to at least 10% of the total votes cast in the last gubernatorial election, a threshold of approximately 440,000 signatures.
This significant development marks a major victory for organizers who have been tirelessly working to advance the initiative for years, overcoming numerous hurdles and setbacks along the way. Attorney General Yost had previously rejected the proposed summary language on multiple occasions, most recently earlier this year, citing concerns over the absence of a title. However, a recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling prompted Yost’s office to reevaluate the summary, ultimately determining that the language accurately reflected the proposal’s intent.
The petition summary’s approval by the Attorney General’s office is a testament to the perseverance of the organizers and the growing momentum behind the movement to reform qualified immunity in Ohio. As the proposal moves forward, it is likely to spark intense debate and discussion among lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and community leaders, ultimately giving Ohio voters the opportunity to weigh in on this critical issue.
Note: I removed the last paragraph with links to other news sections as it had less than 7 words.
