Trumball News

State Representative Scott Wiggam (R-Wooster) announced the passage of House Bill 34, which offers state agencies, local governments, and other government entities an alternative to sending documents via certified mail. The bill aims to reduce costs by allowing these organizations to use traditional first-class mail instead.

House Bill 34, sponsored by State Representatives Steve Hambley (R-Brunswick) and Scott Ryan (R-Newark), permits state agencies or local governments to provide official notifications through both a verified email address and ordinary mail delivery as an alternative to certified mail. The legislation outlines 29 instances where internet communication and regular mail can replace certified mail.

“I joined with my House colleagues and passed House Bill 34, which grants further flexibility for state and local governments to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Rep. Wiggam. “By supporting 21st-century means of communication, official documents can now be disseminated quicker and cheaper than relying on the antiquated method of certified mail. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, and will continue to support similar bills in the future.”

Certified mail provides an indisputable record that documentation was delivered or attempted to be delivered. However, in Cuyahoga County, 85 percent of certified mail notices are returned unclaimed or undeliverable annually. At $5.00 per parcel, this cost amounts to $500,000 per year.

Proponents argue that local governments should not bear such high costs for outdated communication methods. They believe agencies should notify residents via the internet if individuals have provided a contact method such as an email address on an official application or form.

The bill does not mandate state agencies or local governments to contact residents via the internet but offers additional options to reduce the financial burden of certified mail. If there is no verified way to contact the individual through the internet, certified mail must still be used.

House Bill 34 passed unanimously during yesterday’s House session and now goes to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

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