Ohio House Passes Fees and Fines Grace Period Bill, Aiming to Reduce Recidivism
COLUMBUS, Ohio – State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) today announced that House Bill 296 passed through the Ohio House of Representatives with bipartisan support and a vote of 86-6. The legislation provides a 180-day grace period on court-assessed fines and fees for recently formerly incarcerated Ohioans as they reenter society.
“This commonsense piece of legislation aims to remove a major barrier to success when returning citizens want to start anew,” said Rep. Miller. “In the early period after being released, the risks of recidivism, suicide, drug relapse, homelessness, and unemployment for men and women are particularly high, and we want to ensure that formerly incarcerated Ohioans can prioritize their basic needs and find financial stability. The grace period provides a benefit to not only these individuals, but the communities in which they live, promoting safety and prosperity.”
The bill allows Ohioans returning from incarceration to have a 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 for 180 days. By giving individuals a 6-month headstart to find quality employment and stable housing before being required to pay back their fines and fees, more Ohioans can be set up for success.
House Bill 296 does not forgive the total debt, change the amount owed, or apply to restitution. It simply presses the pause button for six months to give returning citizens a brief window of relief to concentrate on finding a job, securing a place to live, and reconnecting with family and their community. No payments would be required for fines, fees, financial sanctions, or court costs related to criminal proceedings during this pause.
Currently, three other states have passed similar legislation including Alabama, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.
House Bill 296 now goes to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
