The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to support individuals experiencing homelessness by waiving fees for identification cards and vital statistics records. It allows homeless shelters and nonprofit agencies to securely store essential documents for these individuals, who can access or request the destruction of their documents at any time. Additionally, probate judges are required to waive fees for certified abstracts of marriage for homeless individuals who meet specific criteria, and they must report annually on the number of waivers granted. The bill also introduces a new section mandating the waiver of fees for certified records of name changes or divorce certificates for individuals experiencing homelessness, while modifying existing fees for other court-related services.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a fee structure for vital records, including a $1.50 fee for certified copies of birth and death records and a $5.50 fee for filing divorce decrees, with provisions for fee waivers for individuals experiencing homelessness. It outlines verification methods for applicants and mandates annual reporting by local health officials on fee waivers. The bill also streamlines the application process for identification cards, requiring verification from designated professionals for homeless applicants and allowing certain agencies to submit applications on their behalf. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accessibility to essential documentation for vulnerable populations while ensuring accountability in the fee waiver process.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3109.14, 3705.24, 3705.242, 4507.50, 4507.52
As Reported By House Committee: 2101.16, 2303.20, 3109.14, 3705.24, 3705.242, 4507.01, 4507.50, 4507.51, 4507.52
As Passed By House: 2101.16, 2303.20, 3109.14, 3705.24, 3705.242, 4507.01, 4507.50, 4507.51, 4507.52