Rep. Brent's license reinstatement fee debt reduction bill moves to governor's desk

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) today applauded the House concurrence of House Bill (HB) 285, her legislation to establish the permanent Driver’s License Reinstatement Fee Debt Reduction and Amnesty Program. The program will determine if a person qualifies for a reduction in pending reinstatement fees or if a person is eligible for a complete fees waiver. HB 285 now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

“1 out of 8 Ohioans has a suspended license, and 83 percent of Ohioans drive themselves to work. Many Ohioans currently have to make the tough decision between paying their fees and paying their rent,” said Rep. Brent. “This is a decision Ohioans should not have to make. House Bill 285 will renew the Ohio Promise that people can live, work and retire here at home.”

The bill will expand the number of people who qualify for a complete waiver of reinstatement fees. It will also require the Director of Public Safety to identify eligible participants and send an eligible person automatic notice of their enrollment into the program. Information about the program will be available on the Department of Public Safety and Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, and there will be a toll-free telephone number established so people can call to determine if they are eligible for the program. 

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