During House session this week, State Representative Tim Brown spoke on the floor about House Bill 173, a bill Representative Brown co-sponsored. The bill gives military veterans a new identification card and DD Form 214 filing option. Specifically, HB 173 allows counties to authorize the issuance of veteran identification cards to qualifying individuals, either through the county recorder or the county veterans service office.
While some county recorders already issue the identification cards, HB 173 seeks to standardize the cards issued in Ohio. The cards will give military veterans in Ohio another option for documenting their veteran status for purposes like employment applications, veteran hospital services and discounts at participating retail establishments and restaurants. Additionally, the identification card will be useful for certain veterans who do not fit into a category to receive a veteran ID card distributed by the federal government or through their local registrar’s office.
HB 173 also provides veterans with the opportunity to record a copy of their DD 214 forms with their local county recorder – which will provide a permanent record of the document for the veteran. The DD 214 is a document issued by the US Defense Department upon retirement or discharge from the military. (No materials involved in the application process—including photographs, documents or other information obtained by a county recorder or veterans service office—are considered public records.)
“I’m pleased to be involved in providing these additional options for our local veterans. These men and women have done much in service to our Nation, and we must provide assistance to them whenever possible.” Representative Brown said.
The bill now awaits consideration in the Ohio Senate.
