Ohio House Passes Legislation to Remove Barriers for Reintegration

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Gary Click (R-Vickery) recently announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 393, legislation that would require community-based correctional facilities and programs in Ohio to assist individuals in custody in obtaining a state-issued identification card prior to their release.

“There are few things that are more critical to a fresh start, than obtaining a state ID. Our goal is to assist those who have prepared themselves to succeed to be fully equipped on day one. HB 393 does just that”, said Representative Click.

Under the bill, community-based correctional facilities would be required to begin the identification process within a reasonable time before an individual completes programming. For inmates without valid identification, such correctional facilities would assist in the compiling of appropriate applications and documents prior to submitting completed materials to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

House Bill 393 is a continuation of efforts that began in the previous General Assembly, which required this program for the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections and the Department of Youth services. Securing an essential form of identification is necessary to access housing, employment, and other critical services. Expanding this program to community-based correctional facilities aims to facilitate a smoother reentry process for over 7,000 incarcerated Ohioans.

House Bill 393 now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.