MICHAEL D.

DOVILLA
7 TH DISTRICT ______

VERN R IFFE CENTER

77 S OUTH HIGH S TREET, 13 TH F LOOR COLUMBUS, OH 43215-6111
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P OLICY AND LEGISLATIVE O VERSIGHT, CHAIRMAN F INANCE & APPROPRIATIONS H IGHER EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE M ILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS

T: (614) 466-4895
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F: (614) 719-6957

Ohio General Assembly

House of Representatives Columbus

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REP07@OHIOHOUSE. GOV

For Immediate Release: April 9, 2014

Contact: Chris Ventura (614) 466-4895

Reps. Dovilla and Landis Announce House Passage of Ohio Veterans Bill Increases College Access and Occupational Licensure for Veterans
COLUMBUSState Representatives Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) and Al Landis (R-Dover) today announced passage of House Bill 488, the veterans component of the Mid-biennium Budget Review (MBR). House Bill 488 is designed to create a uniform, effective process for awarding college credit to veterans for military training. In addition, the legislation requires state institutions of higher education to establish policies regarding the support and assistance the institution will provide to veterans. As our veterans reacclimate to civilian life after their service to our state and our nation, many elect to attend college, said Rep. Dovilla. This legislation not only allows the critical skills learned in the military to be translated into college credit, but it also establishes a support system for our veterans to transition back to the civilian world and succeed at our state institutions of higher education. Furthermore, H.B. 488 streamlines occupational licensure and workforce development initiatives for service members. Ohio has a large veteran population, and the 98th House District is home to many of them, said Rep. Landis. Veterans in my district have told me We just want a chance. House Bill 488 goes beyond giving them a chance; it gives them an opportunity to continue their education and move into their careers. With House Bill 488 we are making veterans our priority. While in committee, H.B. 488 saw additional changes, including military identity theft protections authored by Rep. Dovilla. The changes are designed to give victims of identity theft the means to address the financial implications of having their identity stolen by providing an opportunity to recover damages for their losses. In addition, the bill includes enhanced criminal penalties for committing these crimes against active-duty service members. House Bill 488 will now advance to the Senate for further consideration. -30-