Announcements

Jason Varney, Oriana House Vice President of Correctional Programs in North Central and Southeast Ohio, and President-Elect of the Ohio Community Corrections Association (OCCA), testified on October 28, 2025 in support of Ohio House Bill 393 which is aimed at filling a gap in existing law to help ex-offenders obtain state identification cards prior to release. Currently the law to assist individuals being released does not apply to those housed in community-based correctional facilities. Varney serves as Chair of OCCA's Public Policy Committee.

Testifying before the Ohio House Community Revitalization Committee, Varney said, "We have found that state identification or a driver's license are invaluable tools in finding employment." He added, "Expanding the existing program has the potential to strengthen our economic development for both businesses and citizens who are being given a second chance. Preparing individuals to enter the workforce is one of the most significant roles of community-based correctional facilities."

Other industry leaders testifying in support of HB 393 included representatives from West Central Community Correctional Facility, Americans for Prosperity-Ohio, and Center for Employment Opportunities.

Testimony presented included explaining that the process for obtaining an ID typically involves transporting individuals to a Bureau of Motor Vehicles location and providing online access to request birth certificate records.

Ohio HB 393 is sponsored by Representative Gary Click, R-Vickery, and Representative Darnell Brewer, D-Cleveland.

Oriana House operates five private, non-profit Community Based Correctional Facilities located in Cuyahoga County, Seneca County, and Summit County.