Ohio House Votes to Protect Funding for Violence Against Women Act

State Representative Dorothy Pelanda (R-Marysville) today applauded the Ohio House of Representatives’ passage of Substitute House Bill 309, which updates the Ohio Revised Code to comply with the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that was reauthorized in 2013.

Specifically, the 2013 reauthorization of VAWA requires states receiving VAWA funding to certify that costs and fees are not assessed against petitioners in connection with the modification, enforcement, dismissal or withdrawal of a protection order, consent agreement or witness subpoena.

“In making these changes to comply with the Violence Against Women Act, the House is ensuring that federal funds remain available to address sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking in Ohio, and that victims are not deterred by the costs associated with ensuring their own safety,” said Rep. Pelanda, who sponsored Sub. H.B. 309.

Sub. H.B. 309 passed with unanimous support and will now move to the Ohio Senate.