OH HB181

Creates an Eviction Defense Fund in the state treasury to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants (income at or below 250% of federal poverty line) with children who face eviction proceedings

Appropriates $750,000 for fiscal year 2026 to fund the program, administered by the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation through contracts with legal aid societies and designated nonprofit organizations

Requires eviction summons to include notice that defendants may qualify for free legal representation and directs tenants to Ohio Legal Help (www.ohiolegalhelp.org or 866-529-6446) for eligibility information

Allows courts to grant a 14-day continuance in eviction cases when a defendant is entitled to legal representation under the program but has not yet secured an attorney

Requires metropolitan housing authorities to include notice of potential right to legal representation in notices sent for informal hearings under federal housing regulations