HB 537 Summary

• Establishes the Veterans Fee Waiver Program administered by the Department of Veterans Services to verify veteran eligibility and waive filing fees for eligible veterans.

• Allows eligible veterans (Ohio residents who are honorably discharged from armed forces) to waive fees up to $125 for business documents filed with the Secretary of State, including articles of incorporation, LLC organization documents, limited partnership certificates, and name registrations.

• Permits eligible veterans to waive fees for initial professional licenses issued by state licensing agencies, limited to one waiver per veteran.

• Requires the Secretary of State and licensing agencies to provide information on their websites about the program, eligible documents and licenses, and application procedures.

• Amends existing Ohio Revised Code sections governing Secretary of State filing fees, business filings, and professional licensing to incorporate references to the veterans fee waiver program.