Reps. Cockley, Salvo Testify on Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Fees for IDs, Birth Certificates for Homeless Ohioans

COLUMBUS — State Reps. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) and Jodi Salvo (R-Bolivar) Tuesday gave sponsor testimony before the House Children and Human Services Committee on House Bill (HB) 472, a bipartisan effort aimed at eliminating fees for state-issued identification cards and birth certificates for people experiencing homelessness.

“The fees associated with obtaining an ID or a certified copy of a birth certificate can be a significant financial barrier. For individuals and families already struggling to meet basic needs, even a small fee can be the reason they cannot access work, housing, or healthcare,” said Rep. Cockley. “For Ohioans experiencing homelessness, these documents are often the first step toward stability.”

HB 472 seeks to address a critical barrier faced by Ohioans who are homeless by ensuring that they can access essential documents needed for employment, housing, healthcare, and other vital services, without financial burden. The bill will waive the cost of state IDs and birth certificates for individuals of any age who are verified by a designated professional, ensuring greater access to opportunities for stability.

“House Bill 472 allows Ohio to continue leading with practical, compassionate policy that supports both accountability and opportunity,” said Rep. Salvo. “This legislation represents a small but meaningful step toward addressing homelessness in Ohio. It doesn’t create a new program or require additional bureaucracy — it simply ensures that every Ohioan, regardless of age or circumstance, can obtain the documents needed to take the next step toward independence and stability.

HB 472 is currently under consideration in the House Children and Human Services Committee.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Cockley and Rep. Salvo from today’s hearing is attached to this release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.