Reps. Miranda, Ingram introduce bill to halt student and medical debt collection during COVID-19

State Reps. Jessica E. Miranda (D-Forest Park) and Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati) announced the introduction of their emergency legislation, House Bill (H.B.) 32, to halt the collection of student and medical debt owed to state higher education institutions and hospitals operated by those institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Student and medical debt places a great burden on working families during normal times, and has only been exacerbated by this pandemic,” said Rep. Miranda. “This emergency legislation will provide much needed financial relief to many Ohioans.”

“It is Ohio’s promise to help the most vulnerable and provide assistance for low income individuals and individuals in extreme need. 45 days is simply not enough time to pay back debts owed when many are in extreme economic distress,” said Rep. Ingram

Reps. Miranda and Ingram introduced a similar proposal during the 133rd  General Assembly. H.B. 32 now awaits committee assignment.