Republicans in the Ohio House are pushing for bail reform that would make it harder for people accused of violent offenses to be released before they have their day in court.
The Holly Act is named after a woman injured in a downtown Cincinnati fight on July 26, 2025 that went viral. Videos posted to social media show people striking a man until he falls to the ground and another man punching a woman in the face, causing her to fall. Holly has requested her last name be withheld due to threats she has been receiving,
The bill would ban charities from posting bail for people accused of serious and violent offenses, including domestic violence, and set caps on how much the organizations may pay.
It also calls for harsher consequences for people who repeatedly fail to appear for court dates. If a judge grants bail, the Ohio Attorney General would have the right to appeal the decision.
“Showing up for court is not optional,” said state Rep. Jeff LaRe, R-Violet Twp., one of the bill’s sponsors.
LaRe said the bill balances the rights of the accused with community safety.
Holly said an organizer of the brawl was released on bail two weeks before the fight after being indicted on a gun charge.
“This is about accountability, and when someone shows a pattern of dangerous behavior, the system must take it seriously. A revolving door approach to low bail puts real people at risk,” said Holly.
What is bail?
Bail, which is set by a judge ahead of a trial, is money or conditions designed to protect the public and assure the defendant will show up for future court hearings.
In November 2022, Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment that requires judges to consider public safety, the defendant’s criminal history and the seriousness of the offense when setting bail conditions.
Under the constitution, the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.
State government reporter Laura Bischoff can be reached at lbischoff@usatodayco.com and @lbischoff on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: ‘Holly Act’ to push bail reform in Ohio after a viral Cincinnati fight
Reporting by Laura A. Bischoff, Cincinnati Enquirer / The Columbus Dispatch
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