The bill establishes legal representation for destitute defendants facing eviction in Ohio by creating the "eviction defense fund" within the state treasury, funded through appropriations from the General Assembly and donations to the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation. This foundation will administer the fund to provide legal representation for eligible individuals, defined as those with children who meet specific income thresholds and occupy a dwelling under a legal claim. The bill also modifies existing provisions related to the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, enhancing support for legal aid societies and civil legal services for indigents, while ensuring transparency through annual reporting requirements.

Additionally, the bill mandates that landlords include notices in eviction notices informing tenants of their potential right to legal representation and resources for legal aid based on income. It appropriates $750,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Eviction Defense Fund to support legal representation for indigent defendants. The bill also includes provisions for the reappropriation of unspent funds for the same purpose in the following fiscal year, and it modifies the process for issuing summons in eviction cases to ensure tenants are informed of their rights, including the right to seek legal assistance. Overall, the bill aims to improve access to justice for tenants and enhance their understanding of their rights throughout the eviction process.

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