SitemapArea lawmakers are leading a bi-partisan effort to curb predatory land contracts in Ohio, just days before Yougnstown city leaders are set to vote on a similar measure.
Four valley legislators are introducing companion bills aimed at stopping the exploitation and manipulation of families through land installment contracts.
State Representatives Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown) and Don Manning (R- New Middletown), along with State Senators Sean O'Brien (D-Bazetta) and Michael Rulli (R-Salem) are introducing new bipartisan legislation to establish better protections for Ohioans who are buying homes via land installment contracts (LICs), commonly referred to as "lease-to-own" or "rent-to-own" agreements.
The lawmakers say the Mahoning Valley has been particularly vulnerable to predatory land contract practices by out of state companies.
"The main focus of the bill is to just look at loopholes in the Ohio Revised Code and look at how we want to protect the people who are going into a land contract and make sure that we enhance our neighborhoods," said Rep. Lepore-Hagan.
The announcement comes just two days before Youngstown city leaders are set to vote on an ordinance to address the same issue. To read the full story from WFMJ, click here.