After a summer break, lawmakers are back at the Statehouse for hearings and votes. While most of our work in the first half of the year focused on the state budget, we are now turning our attention to several bills and issues that impact low-income Ohioans. Here is what we are keeping our eyes on:



• Senate Select Committee on Housing. Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) recently created the new housing committee “to learn what additional steps the state can take to encourage homeownership while removing barriers that entrepreneurs encounter as they work to revitalize our neighborhoods.” The Committee, chaired by Senator Michelle Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) has had four hearings and heard from a number of interested parties including the Legal Aid Society of Columbus. The Committee is planning on scheduling hearings across the state in the coming weeks. The Committee intends to issue a report based on the information they gather during its hearings. 

• Senate Bill 37. SB 37, sponsored by Rep. Louis Blessing (R-Colerain Township) and Rep. Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati), changes how driver’s licenses can be suspended for certain drug offenses and failure to pay child support. It also changes the penalties for failure to provide proof of financial responsibility. OPLC and the Return to the Road Campaign have been working with the bill sponsors to broaden the legislation to eliminate debt-related driver’s license suspensions. We anticipate additional hearings on SB 37 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. To join our campaign efforts, add your organization’s name to our sign-on letter. 

• House Bill 7. Also known as the Strong Foundations Act, House Bill 7 would address maternal and infant mortality and improve health and developmental outcomes. Among other provisions, the bill, introduced by Rep. Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Rep. Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus), would also create a grant program to provide funding for Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLP). HB 7 received a second hearing before the House Finance Committee on October 4, where OPLC and other organizations provided proponent testimony. Interested party and opposition testimony are scheduled for October 11 at 10 a.m.

• House Bill 206. HB 206 would create a new class of school expulsion for “imminent and severe endangerment to health and safety” of students or school personnel. The new class of expulsion can be up to 180 days and renewed in 90-day increments indefinitely. A psychiatric assessment would be required before a student could return to school. HB 206 received sponsor testimony in June and is scheduled to have proponent testimony this week. OPLC has been meeting with legal aid and other partners to better understand the potential impact of the bill and is reaching out to House Primary and Secondary Education Committee members to share these concerns. 

Questions? Email us at info@ohiopovertylaw.org.