DEAR EDITOR:

I appreciate the Tribune Chronicle’s recent editorial supporting Ohio House Bill 338 (aka, Andy’s Law) and calling for thoughtful prison reform in the aftermath of the December 25, 2024, murder of Correction Officer Andrew “Andy” Lansing at the Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe, OH. The murder of Officer Lansing was a horrific reminder of the dangers faced by correctional staff every day, and the overdue reforms necessary to improve safety, accountability, and order in Ohio’s prisons. However, it is important to clarify one key point mentioned in the December 20, 2025, Tribune Chronicle editorial regarding higher education for inmates.

It is critical to note that Andy’s Law does not eliminate higher education programs for all inmates. Instead, Andy’s Law only limits access to higher education for level 3 and 4 inmates, which are two of the highest security levels in Ohio’s prisons. Level 1 and 2 inmates would continue to have access to higher education opportunities.

This distinction matters as higher education is not being eliminated altogether; rather, it is being used as an incentive for good behavior and rehabilitation. Under the provisions of Andy’s Law, inmates in higher-security settings can work toward lower security classifications through sustained compliance and good conduct, at which point access to higher education becomes available. This approach reinforces accountability while still recognizing the role education can play in rehabilitation. It is important to note that vocational training opportunities will remain in place for all inmates, including for level 3 and 4 inmates provided they have not committed a serious violation of inmate rules.

I commend the Tribune Chronicle for supporting reforms that honor Officer Lansing’s legacy and protect correctional staff throughout Ohio. Ensuring accuracy in how the reforms outlined within Andy’s Law are described will ensure that discussions regarding the law are based on factual information. Andy’s Law will make Ohio’s jails and prisons safer by implementing long-overdue common-sense reforms. As Andy’s Law moves to the Ohio Senate, we urge for the law to be passed as currently written as it will direct the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to implement policies that promote accountability, safety, security, and responsibility; thereby ensuring the death of Correction Officer Andrew Lansing was not in vain.

DARREN PRICE, MA

Chairperson,

Andy’s Law Coalition

Chillicothe