NEWS: Ohio Legislature Passes Legislation to Require Corrections Agencies Provide ID, Crucial Documents to Adults and Youth Returning from Incarceration
Legislation will reduce barriers to employment and housing for people leaving prison
Columbus, OH (December 19, 2024) – In the early hours of this morning, the Ohio Legislature passed House Bill 315. The bill contains language that requires corrections agencies to equip incarcerated adults and youth with crucial identification documentation that will help them find employment and stable housing as they transition back into their communities.
The language that passed the legislature early this morning originated in Senate Bill 198, sponsored by Republican Senators George Lang (R-4) and Nathan Manning (R-13).
When a person is released from prison, data consistently shows that the most important factor in reducing recidivism is employment. The longer the person goes without obtaining employment after release—even just a few days—the more likely they are to recidivate and end up back in the justice system. For those transitioning out of prison, obtaining essential documents such as a state ID, driver’s license, or their Social Security card after release often prolongs or hinders efforts to secure gainful employment.
This bill streamlines the process by requiring the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), Department of Youth Services (DYS) and Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to coordinate efforts in providing these vital documents before release.
“The difficulty of obtaining an ID or Social Security card can be a major stumbling block for those leaving prison. This legislation passed by the Ohio legislature today will make an enormous difference for those who are trying to get back on their feet,” said Lauren Krisai, Executive Director of Justice Action Network. “Employers want to hire qualified workers, but can’t process their paperwork if they don’t have a valid ID. This bill removes a major barrier to successful reentry and benefits both employers and those who want to earn their second chance.”
Further, the bill requires the DRC to provide the following documents to adults leaving custody:
A copy of the vocational training record of the inmate, if applicable;
A copy of the work record of the inmate, if applicable;
A certified copy of the birth certificate of the inmate, if obtainable; and
A Social Security card or a replacement Social Security card of the inmate, if the inmate has a Social Security number and if obtainable.
Justice Action Network worked closely with bill sponsors and agencies for nearly two years to find a compromise bill that finally passed the legislature today. JAN led campaigns to pass similar legislation in several other states, including Arizona, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah.
“We want to thank Senators George Lang and Nathan Manning for sponsoring this crucial workforce bill, as well as the House and Senate for including it in House Bill 315 for final passage,” Krisai added. “We urge Governor DeWine to quickly sign this into law.”