Ohio lawmakers passed legislation to significantly reduce instances where driver's licenses are suspended due to unpaid debts from non-vehicular offenses. The bill aims to address the 1 million Ohioans with expired licenses, 60% of whom had their licenses suspended for debt. It eliminates suspensions for unpaid court fines, most drug offenses (excluding those involving vehicles), and truancy. Additionally, it modifies the calculation of fines for repeat driving without insurance offenses, often stemming from financial hardship. Supporters argue that license suspensions for debt hinder individuals' ability to secure employment and do not effectively protect public safety.
Courtroom notes showing that a Washington County, Ore., judge threatened to hold Oregon Public Defense Services in contempt of court for not providing a public defender to a criminal defendant are seen in Portland, May 4, 2022. COLUMBUS, Ohio – State lawmakers passed legislation late Wednesday evening designed to dramatically limit the instances in which Ohio ans lose their licenses over unpaid debts from non-vehicular offenses.passed nearly unanimously.
The legislation reflects thinking from a broad range of backers that penalizing people by taking away their ability to drive because of an unpaid debt only makes it harder for them to get to a well-paying job and doesn’t protect the public. This is especially true in rural or poorer areas with more limited nearby employment opportunities.
Previously, House lawmakers passed a more modest version of the bill that returned to courts the ability to suspend licenses for unpaid fines. The bipartisan, Cincinnati-area sponsors – Lou Blessing, a Republican, and Catherine Ingram, a Democrat – were furious. Blessing said they “gutted” the bill. Ingram said they “more or less negated most the intent of the bill” in once again allowing license suspensions for offenses that don’t involve driving.
Ohio Driver's Licenses Unpaid Debts Financial Hardship Employment
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