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Ohio Poverty Law Center launched its new “refreshed” website last week. On our new mobile-friendly site, you will find current news and information about our work, can sign up for newsletters, and donate to support our work.

Occupational Licensing Changes for Ohioans with Criminal Records

House Bill 263 removes barriers to employment by reforming occupational licensing and allowing individuals with criminal records access to employment. Licensing agencies would be required to create new disqualifying criminal offense lists that only include offenses related to the duties and responsibilities of the licensed occupation. The licensing agencies would only be able to take these disqualifying offenses into consideration for five years after the date of conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later.

Have you, a family member, or friend missed out on employment opportunities or occupational licensing due to past criminal records? If have experienced these barriers, please let us know. Send us an email at info@ohiopovertylaw.org.

Have you, a family member, or friend missed out on employment opportunities or occupational licensing due to past criminal records? If have experienced these barriers, please let us know. Send us an email at info@ohiopovertylaw.org.

Ohio Fairness Act Gets a House Companion Bill

Rep. Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood) and Rep. Brett Hillyer (R- Uhrichsville) introduced a bill in the Ohio House that would expand rights for LGBTQ people by protecting access to housing, employment, and public accommodations. The bill, HB369, mirrors a piece of legislation already introduced in the Ohio Senate, both are called the “Ohio Fairness Act.”

Rep. Dave Greenspan receives Voice of Justice Award The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation honored State Representative Dave Greenspan (R-Westlake) with the 2019 Voice of Justice Award. The award recognizes a person or organization demonstrating outstanding leadership and advocacy on behalf of low-income Ohioans who may need legal assistance to help them live stable, healthy and financially secure lives. Rep. Greenspan was recognized for his advocacy on legislation to create the Reinstatement Fee Amnesty Initiative pilot program, which helped nearly 77,000 Ohioans address barriers to restoring their driver’s licenses, and ongoing efforts to make the program permanent.

The Senate version, SB11, has had two hearings. At its second hearing for proponents, several organizations testified in support and more than 200 individuals and organizations submitted written testimony including OPLC. The measure is supported by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and other business groups.