Representative Melanie Miller, sponsor of House Bill 296, told the Ohio House Judiciary Committee that the bill would establish a 180‑day grace period for court‑assessed fines and fees owed by people immediately after release from incarceration.

"This legislation establishes a 180 day or about a 6 month grace period for outstanding court assessed fines or fees owed by incarcerated Ohioans when they immediately exit prison," Representative Melanie Miller said in sponsor testimony. She added, "I wanna be clear about 1 thing in this bill. It does not forgive debt. It does not change the amount owed, and this does not apply to restitution."

Miller described the pause as a short window intended to let returning citizens focus on finding work, housing and reestablishing family connections without immediate payment obligations. "No payments would be required for fines, fees, financial sanctions, or court costs related to criminal proceedings during this pause," she said. Miller noted that Alabama, Oklahoma and Tennessee already offer a similar 180‑day grace period.

During questioning, Representative Mohammed asked whether the bill would apply to court‑ordered programs that carry costs — for example, community service or drug treatment programs that require transportation. Miller replied, "I will get back to you on that. I don't wanna speak offhand... but I wanna verify that for you and I can get back to you." No amendment or committee vote was recorded at the hearing; this was a first hearing with sponsor testimony.

The bill, as described at the hearing, would not forgive or reduce the underlying fines and fees and would exclude restitution. Representative Miller said the intent is to reduce barriers to reentry during the early months after incarceration.

If the committee pursues the measure, members requested clarification on whether costs tied to court‑ordered programs are included within the pause; the sponsor said she would verify and follow up.