Ohio Lawmakers Advance Bill to End Parole for Cop Killers

The Larry Henderson Act would eliminate parole for those who murder police, first responders, and other public safety officials.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 8:49am

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Ohio lawmakers are considering the Larry Henderson Act, which would eliminate the possibility of parole for anyone who kills a police officer, corrections officer, prosecutor, first responder, or military member. Instead, those convicted murderers would face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is aimed at providing more justice and closure for the families of fallen public safety officials, who currently face the prospect of reliving their loss through regular parole hearings. However, the bill faces opposition from the Ohio Public Defender and death penalty opponents who argue it suggests some lives are more valuable than others.

The details

House Bill 372, titled the Larry Henderson Act, would eliminate the possibility of parole for anyone who kills a police officer, corrections officer, prosecutor, first responder or military member. The bill is one step closer to becoming law as a House committee is expected to approve the measure on March 18. The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police all support the changes championed by Reps. Cindy Abrams, R-Harrison Township, and Phil Plummer, R-Dayton.

  • The House committee is expected to approve the Larry Henderson Act on March 18, 2026.
  • It's not yet clear when the proposed law would receive a full vote of the Ohio House of Representatives.

The players

Lori Henderson

The widow of retired Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson, who was killed while working at the University of Cincinnati's spring commencement.

Cindy Abrams

Ohio state representative and co-sponsor of the Larry Henderson Act.

Phil Plummer

Ohio state representative and co-sponsor of the Larry Henderson Act.

Zachary Miller

Legislative officer with the Ohio Public Defender, who opposes the Larry Henderson Act.

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What they’re saying

“Justice is not truly served when victims' families are condemned to a lifetime of reliving their loss through endless parole proceedings. Once the trial is over and a sentence is given, families should not have to fear being dragged back into that same nightmare every few years.”

— Lori Henderson

“This legislation is built on a troubling ethical premise. By mandating the most extreme penalties based on the occupation of the victim, the bill inadvertently suggests that some lives are more valuable than others.”

— Zachary Miller, Legislative officer, Ohio Public Defender

What’s next

The Larry Henderson Act is expected to receive a full vote in the Ohio House of Representatives after the House committee approves the measure on March 18, 2026.

The takeaway

The proposed Larry Henderson Act highlights the ongoing debate over criminal justice reform and the value society places on the lives of public safety officials. While supporters argue it provides more justice for victims' families, opponents contend it suggests a troubling ethical premise that some lives are more valuable than others.