Gov. DeWine Signs Two Landmark Bills Championed by Rep. Latyna Humphrey into Law

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Franklin) Wednesday announced the unanimous signing of two transformative pieces of legislation into law: House Bill (HB) 29, aimed at reforming Ohio’s license suspension laws, and House Bill (HB) 7, which enhances services for children and families across the state. Both bills, signed into law by the governor Wednesday, address critical challenges facing Ohioans and offer practical, equitable solutions to improve their quality of life.

“Today is a monumental step forward for our state,” said Rep. Humphrey. “These laws are about breaking cycles of poverty, ensuring fairness, and empowering Ohioans to build better futures for themselves and their families. I’m proud to have championed these bills and grateful for the support they received.”

HB 29 directly addresses a widespread issue in Ohio, where 60% of driver’s license suspensions are related to unpaid fines or fees—not unsafe driving. According to the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s 2022 report, “Road to Nowhere: Debt-Related Driver’s License Suspensions in Ohio,” in 2020 alone, Ohio saw:

• 80,259 debt-related suspensions, impacting 29,531 drivers statewide;
• $11M in outstanding fines and fees owed to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV);
• A significant impact on Ohio’s labor force, with over 25% of workers in certain districts unable to drive due to debt-related suspensions;

“This law is about giving people a second chance,” said Rep. Humphrey. “For too long, Ohioans have been trapped in a cycle of debt simply because they couldn’t afford to pay court fees or fines. HB 29 provides pathways like payment plans and community service, ensuring they don’t lose access to jobs, education, and other vital resources because of financial hardship.”

The law will reduce economic barriers for individuals and promote workforce participation, especially in areas where over 13% of job postings require a valid driver’s license

HB 7 focuses on supporting Ohio’s children and families by expanding access to early learning, mental health resources, and evidence-based family services. The legislation takes a holistic approach to addressing the needs of children and parents, with key provisions including:

• Expanding Medicaid coverage for mental health services for children under age five;
• Strengthening access to home visiting services to assist parents and improve child outcomes;
• Investigating improvements to the WIC program to increase access and participation;

“This legislation ensures every child—whether they live in rural areas, cities, or suburbs—has the resources they need to thrive. From early learning programs to mental health support, this law invests in the future of Ohio by investing in its children and sets the tone for future legislation in Ohio," said Rep. Humphrey.

The bipartisan passage and signing of HB 29 and HB 7 into law mark significant progress in promoting equity, economic opportunity, and family well-being in Ohio

Both laws are expected to have a profound impact statewide, reducing financial burdens, expanding critical services, and fostering economic and social mobility for Ohioans.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Humphrey at the bill signings is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats