H.B. No. 597 Summary

• Suspends collection proceedings against individuals and entities owing debt to any Ohio state institution of higher education or hospital operated by such institutions during the declared COVID-19 emergency (Executive Order 2020-01D, issued March 9, 2020)

• Freezes accrual of interest on all outstanding debt owed to state institutions of higher education and their hospitals

• Prohibits state agencies and political subdivisions from collecting any fees related to outstanding debts owed to state institutions of higher education or their hospitals

• Suspends sections 131.02 to 131.03 of the Revised Code to the extent they require collections against individuals or entities owing amounts to state higher education institutions or their hospitals

• Declared an emergency measure effective immediately to provide economic relief during the COVID-19 epidemic