Rep. Brewer Provides Sponsor Testimony on Consumer Centered Parking Legislation

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Darnell T. Brewer (D-Cleveland) today gave sponsor testimony on House Bill (HB) 653, legislation that creates statewide civil parking ticket standards. While parking enforcement is necessary, statewide standards are also needed to protect Ohio drivers from excessive and accumulating fines and fees. 

“Late fees and add-on charges attached to parking tickets can sometimes spiral far beyond what is reasonable. A small ticket can quickly grow into a financial burden that disproportionately impacts working families, seniors, and low-income residents. We need parking enforcement, but it should encourage compliance and safety, without creating additional financial hardship for Ohioans,” said Rep. Brewer. 

House Bill 653 creates civil parking ticket standards designed to protect Ohio consumers, while maintaining local enforcement. This bill does not eliminate parking enforcement or restrict municipal authority to regulate parking. Instead, it establishes sensible consumer protections by:

• Extending the minimum grace period from 15 to 30 days;
• Capping total late fees per ticket at $20;
• Limiting excessive administrative and collection fees;
• Prohibiting additional penalties, surcharges, or fee multipliers; and
• Creating uniform statewide standards.

This legislation now awaits a second hearing in the House Local Government Committee.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Brewer at today’s sponsor testimony is attached to this release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.