Panel Says Judge Can't Thwart Prison Credit Programs

By Parker Quinlan | September 3, 2025, 2:42 PM EDT · 

A split Ohio appeals court on Tuesday ruled an incarcerated man should be allowed to participate in prison programs that can earn him credit toward his release, adding that a state trial judge cannot bar access to the programs.

A majority of Ohio's Eleventh District Court of Appeals found a district court judge lacks the power to specifically ban Anthony Talbert from taking part in the programs that could shorten his 4.5-year prison sentence, finding the transitional control programs are not part of the offender's sentence and cannot be regulated by the courts.

"Even if transitional control may be considered a part of the criminal sentence, the trial court lacked statutory authority to prohibit appellant's participation," Judge John E. Eklund [pictured above] said in the majority opinion. "Therefore, the portion of the trial court's judgment prohibiting appellant's participation in the transitional control program is clearly and convincingly contrary to law."

New Drone Laws Effective in Ohio

Written by Peggy Kirk Hall, Attorney and Director, Agricultural & Resource Law Program

Unidentified drones flying over property have raised many concerns recently, but new laws in Ohio may ease those concerns. The new laws aim to enhance safety, protect privacy, and align state laws with federal regulations for “unmanned aerial vehicles” (UAVs), or “drones.” Passed late last year as H.B. 77 and effective on April 9, 2025, the new laws amend Ohio’s aircraft safety laws to prohibit operating UAVs in certain ways and also address local government use and regulations for UAVs.

US Senator Marco Rubio, joined by Ohio US Senator Vance and Ohio US Rep Wenstrup, Question Pfizer's Position on Medically Assisted Suicide

PRESS RELEASE 02/28/24 

A recent report exposed Pfizer’s financial assistance to Dying with Dignity Canada (DWDC), raising questions about its stance on assisted suicide. DWDC has pushed to expand the eligibility for “medically assisted death” to children as young as 12 years old. Pfizer’s support for DWDC raises concerns that it is complicit in prematurely ending lives. 

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) [pictured here] and colleagues sent a letter to Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla regarding Pfizer’s donations to DWDC, and the company’s stance on “medically assisted death.” 

Bill Seeking to Legalize Assisted Suicide Dies in Committee

On January 24, 2018, SB 249, a bill seeking to legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia, was introduced in the Ohio Senate.

On March 21, 2018, the bill was referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Medicaid Committee.

On April 17, 2018, a first hearing was held in committee, where the bill failed to advance. Click here to view bill text.

Governor Signs Bill Making Assisted Suicide a Felony

Governor John Kasich

On December 19, 2016, Governor John Kasich signed a bill requiring licensing of palliative care facilities. The bill, HB 470, included Section 3795.04, making assisted suicide a felony, as follows:

(A) Except as provided in section 3795.03 of the Revised Code, no person shall knowingly cause another person to commit or attempt to commit suicide by doing either of the following:

(1) Providing the physical means by which the other person commits or attempts to commit suicide;

(2) Participating in a physical act by which the other person commits or attempts to commit suicide.

(B) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of assisting suicide, a felony of the third degree.