Only a week after being introduced, a sponsor hearing, and no opportunity for public input, members of the House Committee on State Government and Elections yesterday passed House Bill 159, a restrictive photo ID bill that could disenfranchise thousands of Ohioans.
H.B. 159 is sponsored by Rep. Robert Mecklenborg (R-Green Township) and Rep. Louis Blessing, Jr. (R-Cincinnati).
This bill was introduced under the cover of Governor Kasich's highly anticipated budget announcement, and may be voted on only a week later. A week is simply not enough time for the public or the committee to adequately discuss the many challenges such a law presents."
A section of the bill requires the state to create a process for indigent Ohioans to obtain free state photo IDs, but does not make clear how this would be paid for and who would qualify for a free ID. A short fiscal analysis was released on March 21, but did not adequately address how many Ohioans would be impacted by the legislation.
H.B. 159 would require all Ohioans to show a photo ID when casting a ballot in person. The bill provides vague language for those who cannot afford an ID to obtain a free one, but provides no process or funding for this.
"Requiring photo identification will place another unnecessary hurdle before Ohioans who wish to cast ballots but do not have access to a photo ID. The legislation only provides a vague promise that free IDs will be provided to those who cannot pay, but does not say how someone would qualify for one," said ACLU of Ohio Staff Counsel Carrie Davis. "In addition, it may cost millions of dollars to implement this bill. Given Ohio's current budget crisis, it is reckless to pass this legislation without fully considering the financial implications."
Cost analyses of similar laws in states with smaller populations have ranged from $18-$25 million to implement over three years.
H.B. 159 is scheduled for a floor vote in the House today.
SEIU1199 WVKYOH, The Ohio AFL-CIO and AARP all registered their issues with Rep. Robert Mecklenborg the bills sponsor as well as the Chairman of the House Committee on State Government and Elections.
