Bill > HB181

This bill creates a comprehensive legal representation program for low-income tenants facing eviction in Ohio. The bill establishes an Eviction Defense Fund in the state treasury, which will be administered by the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation to provide free legal services to indigent defendants in eviction proceedings. To be eligible, individuals must occupy a dwelling with at least one child and have an annual gross income not exceeding 250% of the federal poverty line. The program will offer two types of legal assistance: brief legal assistance (a single consultation) and full legal representation. The foundation will contract with legal aid societies and other nonprofit organizations to provide these services, prioritizing existing legal aid societies in each area. The bill requires these organizations to not only provide legal representation but also educate tenants about their rights and resources. Designated organizations must report performance metrics quarterly and adhere to quality assurance standards. The bill also modifies several existing sections of Ohio law to support this new program, including changing eviction summons language to inform tenants about potential free legal representation and allowing for longer continuances when a defendant is seeking legal representation. An initial appropriation of $750,000 is allocated to launch the program, with provisions for potential future funding.

Justice

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb181