COLUMBUS (WCMH) — Judy’s Law is on its way to the Ohio Senate. The bill would increase the sentence for people who intentionally disfigure someone by using an accelerant like gasoline. Wednesday, it was unanimously passed by the Ohio House.
Judy’s Law is named after Judy Malinowski, the Gahanna woman horrifically burned after being doused with gas by her ex-boyfriend and set on fire.
Judy’s mom, Bonnie Bowes, said the bill means so much to Judy, who doctors said doesn’t have much time left.
“I wish she would have received justice because as I said before she has a life sentence,” said Representative Jim Hughes who introduced the bill.
After 59 surgeries and nearly 2 years in the hospital, Bowes said her daughter’s body can’t take much more.
“Although they don’t give her much time, even if God takes her, she’ll always be here,” said Bowes.
If the bill passes, her memory will live on through Judy’s Law. It extends the sentence by six years for cases like hers where an accelerant like gas is used.
“She said mom if they know on the streets that may cost them an extra 8 years 10 years, whatever it is, and they may think twice and it saves anybody,” said Bowes.
Bowes said she will never give up on her daughter and asks Judy’s army to keep the faith.
“Don’t stop praying, don’t stop the support coming, we’re still on the train.”
Representative Hughes said he’s hopeful to get the bill passed by July 1st at the end of the session. If that happens, it will take effect 90 days later.