Building Freedom Ohio FAQs

  • What is Building Freedom Ohio (BFO)?

    Building Freedom Ohio is a statewide network of formerly incarcerated leaders, directly impacted people, and allies fighting to end lifelong punishment and restore the full rights and dignity of those with felony convictions. We organize to dismantle collateral sanctions, expand second chances, and build a future rooted in justice, redemption, and community power.

  • What are collateral sanctions?

    Collateral sanctions, also called collateral consequences, are the civil penalties people face even after they’ve completed their sentence. These can include barriers to housing, employment, education, voting, and even basic dignity.

  • What does BFO do to fight collateral sanctions?

    We organize community events, lead advocacy campaigns, and push for policy change at the state and local levels.

  • What is “Count Time!”?

    “Count Time!” is a statewide panel series and organizing strategy led by BFO and the Felony-Impacted Liberation Movement (FILM). It’s a space for directly impacted people to speak truth about the burden of collateral sanctions and to organize together for systemic change. It’s not just a panel, it’s a call to action.

  • Is BFO affiliated with any political party?

    No. BFO is nonpartisan. We build people power, not party power. Our focus is on policies and practices that impact real lives, especially those of people who have been criminalized and marginalized.

  • Why is this work urgent right now?

    Ohio is at a crossroads. With nearly 1 in 4 Ohioans affected by the criminal legal system, the barriers to full freedom are everywhere. And while some lawmakers push policies that make reentry harder, we’re organizing to flip the script, from punishment to possibility.

ohio statehouse faqs

  • What is the Ohio Statehouse?

    The Ohio Statehouse, located in Columbus, is where state laws are proposed, debated, and passed. It houses the Ohio General Assembly, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate, along with the offices of the Governor and other statewide officials.

  • Who makes the laws in Ohio?

    Laws are made by the Ohio General Assembly, which has two parts:

    House of Representatives: 99 members elected every 2 years

    Senate: 33 members elected every 4 years

    They introduce bills, hold hearings, vote on legislation, and pass the state budget.

  • How does a bill become a law in Ohio?

    Here’s the basic process:

    A bill is introduced by a legislator (called a sponsor).

    It’s assigned to a committee, where lawmakers hear testimony and make changes.

    If approved, it goes to the full House or Senate for a vote.

    If passed, it moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) and repeats the process.

    If both chambers pass the same version, it goes to the Governor, who can sign it into law or veto it.

  • What’s a committee? Why do they matter?

    Committees are small groups of legislators who focus on specific issues like criminal justice, health, or education. This is where the public can testify for, against, or “as interested party” on a bill.
    Most bills die in committee, so showing up here can be the most powerful part of the process.

  • Can regular people give testimony?

    Yes! Anyone can testify at a committee hearing. You don’t have to be a lawyer or expert—lived experience matters. In fact, when directly impacted people show up, it shifts the conversation.


    We can help you prepare and support you during testimony.

  • Who’s my state representative or senator?

    You can find them by entering your address at:

    https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/

    Once you know who they are, we can help you meet them, write to them, or visit their office.