Senate Unanimously Passes Blessing Bill to Help Protect Driving Privileges for Low-Income Ohioans
February 13, 2020
Louis W. Blessing, III News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township) yesterday announced the Senate's unanimous passage of House Bill 158, his legislation which would authorize the courts to grant limited driving privileges to a first offender driver whose license is suspended for failure to maintain proof of insurance.
Current law allows courts to grant these privileges for the same lack of insurance issue, but only when it is the driver’s second or more offense.
Additionally, House Bill 158 seeks to waive the fee for indigent persons petitioning the court for these privileges. Some courts throughout the state do have a process to grant limited driving privileges, however the application costs just as much, if not more than the initial fee.
"I am very pleased to announce the HB 158 has passed the Ohio Senate, and is on its way to the Governor's desk," said Blessing. "This is a great bill that not only gives much needed relief to low income folks, it decreases the incentive to drive without insurance." House Bill 158 will now be sent to the Governor for a signature.
Current law allows courts to grant these privileges for the same lack of insurance issue, but only when it is the driver’s second or more offense.
Additionally, House Bill 158 seeks to waive the fee for indigent persons petitioning the court for these privileges. Some courts throughout the state do have a process to grant limited driving privileges, however the application costs just as much, if not more than the initial fee.
"I am very pleased to announce the HB 158 has passed the Ohio Senate, and is on its way to the Governor's desk," said Blessing. "This is a great bill that not only gives much needed relief to low income folks, it decreases the incentive to drive without insurance." House Bill 158 will now be sent to the Governor for a signature.