OH HB59

Creates an eviction defense fund administered by the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation to provide legal representation to indigent defendants in eviction proceedings with annual gross income not exceeding 250% of the federal poverty line.

Establishes the eviction defense fund in the state treasury with an initial appropriation of $750,000 for fiscal year 2023 to contract with legal aid societies and other nonprofits to provide full legal representation or brief legal assistance to covered individuals.

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

Allows courts to grant continuances in eviction actions up to 14 days for defendants entitled to legal representation under the eviction defense fund who have not yet established an attorney-client relationship.

Requires metropolitan housing authorities and landlords to include notices of tenants' potential right to free legal representation in eviction-related notices sent to residents.