The bill seeks to enhance legal support for low-income tenants facing eviction by establishing the Eviction Defense Fund, which will be funded through appropriations from the General Assembly and donations to the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation. This foundation will administer the fund, ensuring that legal representation is available for indigent defendants involved in eviction proceedings. Key provisions include eligibility criteria for assistance, the requirement for designated organizations to provide full legal representation, and the necessity for these organizations to educate tenants about their rights. The bill also mandates that the foundation report on fund distribution while maintaining client confidentiality.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for landlords regarding tenant rights, including a notice in termination notices that informs tenants of their potential right to legal representation. It also specifies that if a tenant is being evicted for certain violations, the notice must indicate their eligibility for free legal representation based on income. The bill appropriates $750,000 from the General Revenue Fund to support the Eviction Defense Fund and outlines the process for fund management, ensuring that any unspent balance is reappropriated for the following fiscal year. Overall, the legislation aims to improve access to legal resources and promote fair treatment in eviction proceedings for vulnerable populations in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 120.521, 120.53, 1923.06, 1923.08, 3735.41, 5321.17