OH HB622

Establishes the eviction defense fund administered by the Ohio Public Defender through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation to provide legal representation to indigent defendants in eviction proceedings.

Defines "covered individuals" as persons occupying a dwelling with at least one child whose annual gross income does not exceed 250% of the federal poverty line, and requires designated organizations to provide full legal representation in forcible entry and detainer actions.

Appropriates $750,000 annually for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to fund legal services, with funds distributed to designated organizations based on geographic service areas using the same proportion as existing legal aid society funding.

Requires eviction summons to residential premises to include information about the right to seek legal assistance and contact information for legal aid services at www.ohiolegalhelp.org or (866) 529-6446.

Extends continuance periods in eviction actions from eight days to fourteen days when defendants are entitled to legal representation under the program but have not yet established an attorney-client relationship.