State Representative Meredith Craig voted on Mar. 26 in support of the Larry Henderson Act, a bill named after Deputy Henderson, who was killed while working security at the University of Cincinnati’s Spring Commencement on May 2, 2025.
The proposed legislation, known as House Bill 372, would change sentencing for those convicted of aggravated murder of peace officers, prosecutors, first responders or military members. The bill seeks to impose either life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty for such crimes. Under current law, offenders may be eligible for parole after serving 25 or 30 years.
Craig said she stands with law enforcement and emphasized the importance of sending a message about protecting officers. “I am proud to stand with our law enforcement,” said Craig. “House Bill 372 sends a clear message that Ohio will not tolerate those who threaten and kill our officers.”
Deputy Henderson served as a U.S. Marine and worked with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office from 1991 until his death in 2025.
In related information about Ohio State Rep. Tracy Richardson: she volunteered with organizations such as the Union County Drug Free Coalition and local schools according to the official website; she earned a Bronze Star Medal for her military service; she prioritized advancing educational opportunities, limiting government intervention and promoting economic prosperity; chaired the Veterans and Military Development Committee; served as a leadership professor for ROTC programs at Capital University and Ohio Wesleyan University after her military career; and represented Union County along with parts of Marion County in Ohio according to her official website.
The Larry Henderson Act is currently awaiting further consideration by the Ohio Senate.
