Rep. Brent's House Bill 285 Signed Into Law

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) today announced that Governor Mike DeWine signed into law House Bill (HB) 285, a bill she introduced that establishes permanence of the Driver’s License Reinstatement Fee Debt Reduction and Amnesty Program. This legislation not only expands the number of people who qualify for a waiver of reinstatement fees, but automatically enrolls eligible individuals in the program.

“This bill allows more Ohioans to get back on the road, in a state where having access to a vehicle is vital to get to work, school, and to the doctor. This is the first of many steps to ensure that families can live, work, and retire here,” Rep. Brent said. “Our state still needs to focus on making the minimum wage a livable wage and increasing investment to our public transit system to ensure that transit is accessible for all people regardless of what neighborhood they come from.”

HB 285 additionally requires the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to provide explanation when an application for reinstatement fee reduction or waiver is denied and creates an administrative process for appealing a denial. The bill passed the Ohio House and Senate before being signed into law by the Governor. 

-30-