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Ohio bill would waive ID and birth-certificate fees for people experiencing homelessness
Summary
Lawmakers held a first hearing on House Bill 472, which would eliminate fees for state identification cards and certified birth certificates for Ohioans experiencing homelessness; sponsors said verification would use existing homeless-service providers and that the measure focuses on minors left out by current practice.
House Bill 472, which would eliminate fees for state identification cards and certified birth certificates for people experiencing homelessness, received its first hearing before the Ohio House Children and Human Services Committee on a full-committee quorum.
Sponsors and advocates told the committee the fees are a barrier to employment, housing and services and said the bill would close a gap for minors who currently lack access to fee waivers.
Representative Christine Coughley, presenting sponsor testimony, said the documents are “2 of the most essential documents a person can have, especially for Ohioans experiencing homelessness.” She said the fees “can be a significant financial barrier” and described the proposal as a way to remove an obstacle that “disproportionately affects our most vulnerable constituents.”
Vice Chair Jody Salvo, a cosponsor, said House Bill 472 aims to…
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