COLUMBUS (WCMH) — State lawmakers are working on a bill to help non-violent convicted felons get jobs easier.

One of the bills would allow some convicts to seal their felony records, making it possible for people applying to jobs to check the “no” box on the application asking if they have any felony convictions.

The only kinds of felonies being considered in the bill are lower-level, non-violent crimes.

The public defenders’ office doesn’t support or oppose the bill, saying it doesn’t go far enough to help the state.

“It’s citizens (who) are suffering,” said Niki Clum of the Ohio Public Defenders Office. “Addiction is not being treated and families are paying the price.”

“It’s decades of piling on because wa ll want to be strong on crime, right?,” said state Rep. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton). “Well, you know, I’ve been in this profession for 30 years. We’re not any safer than the day I started. So is the system working? No.”

The bill would not allow convicted felons with violent or sex crimes to seal their records.