Ohio Senate Passes Legislation to Remove Barriers for Reintegration

State Representative Gary Click (R-Vickery) today announced that the Ohio Senate passed House Bill 393 on Wednesday, legislation that would require community-based correctional facilities and programs in Ohio to assist individuals in custody in obtaining a state-issued identification card before their release.

"Obtaining a state ID is a crucial next step to reintegrating into society and reducing recidivism," said Click. "I am grateful to directors Jason Varney from Oriana House in Tiffin and Craig Shumaker from West Central Community Corrections Facility of Marysville for bringing this need to my attention and supporting this legislation."

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 compiling appropriate applications and documents before 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 House for a concurrence vote.