Ohio Senate Begins Hearings on Fees and Fines Grace Period Bill

COLUMBUS - State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) yesterday provided sponsor testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on House Bill 296, legislation to establish a 180-day grace period on court-assessed fines and fees for recently released Ohioans as they reenter society.

The bill will allow Ohioans recently released from incarceration to have a 6-month grace period during which the individual is not required to pay any outstanding court-assessed fines, fees, financial sanctions, or costs from a criminal proceeding. By giving individuals a six-month head start to secure employment and stable housing before requiring repayment of fines and fees, more Ohioans can be better positioned to successfully leave crime and addiction behind.

"A successful reentry starts with stability," said Miller. "House Bill 296 gives returning Ohioans the time they need to find work, secure housing, and begin moving forward, which ultimately strengthens families and makes our communities safer."

Currently, three other states have similar legislation including Alabama, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.

House Bill 296 awaits additional hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

To see Rep. Miller's sponsor testimony, click here.