Ohio Bills

passed both · Ohio · House Dec 18, 2024

HB 322: Regards childhood sexual abuse registrants, offense of grooming

This bill modifies how the state handles childhood sexual abuse registrants and child abuse reporting by shifting the penalty for failing to register from criminal to civil, while removing restrictions on where these individuals can live. It also establishes a new crime called grooming and extends the time limits for prosecuting violations of laws requiring the reporting of child abuse or neglect. Specifically, the legislation sets longer windows for legal action in cases involving DNA matches, fraud, or when victims discover the offense later, ensuring that prosecutions can occur even years after the original incident.

Bill Seitz (R) Cindy Abrams (R) · 50 co-sponsors

passed both · Ohio · Senate Dec 18, 2024

SB 208: To require a military exception in an open enrollment policy

This bill requires Ohio school districts to include a specific exception in their open enrollment policies for children of active-duty military members. Under the new rules, districts must allow these military children to apply for enrollment without facing the usual restrictions that apply to students from other districts. The legislation defines "active duty member" as anyone serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard on full-time duty. While the bill outlines general procedures for admitting out-of-district students, it mandates that military families be treated as a distinct category eligible for enrollment regardless of the district's standard open enrollment limits.

Kristina Roegner (R) · 64 co-sponsors

passed · Ohio · House Dec 18, 2024

HR 657: In memory of Jerry W. Krupinski.

This bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the memory of Jerry W. Krupinski, a former coal miner, insurance professional, and long-serving Ohio state representative. It formally expresses the House of Representatives' sympathy to his family and acknowledges his contributions to public service and community organizations. The resolution directs the Clerk to send an official copy of the tribute to Krupinski's family, serving as a formal record of respect rather than enacting new policy.

passed both · Ohio · House Dec 18, 2024

HJR 8: CA: Authorize bonds for public infrastructure capital improvement

This bill proposes adding a new section to the Ohio Constitution to allow the state to issue up to $2.5 billion in general obligation bonds for public infrastructure projects. The funds would be used to build or improve roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, and waste disposal facilities for cities, counties, and townships. If approved by voters, the state could borrow money over ten years to finance these projects, with the full faith and credit of the state pledged to repay the debt. The legislation also specifies that the borrowed money must be used strictly for infrastructure and that the bonds would be exempt from state taxes.

passed both · Ohio · House Dec 18, 2024

HCR 8: Urge selection of Ohio as headquarters of the U.S. Space Command

Adopted

passed both · Ohio · House Dec 18, 2024

HCR 14: Urges enactment of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024

This Ohio House Concurrent Resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024, which would provide $500 million annually for five years to protect and restore the Great Lakes. The bill aims to address ongoing environmental challenges such as toxic algal blooms, invasive species, and contaminated sediments that threaten water quality, local industries, and wildlife habitats. By requesting federal funding, the resolution seeks to support collaborative efforts between the federal government, states, and local organizations to clean up pollution and restore ecosystems. The measure highlights the economic importance of the Great Lakes, noting that restoration investments generate significant economic activity for the region.

passed both · Ohio · House Dec 18, 2024

HCR 11: Condemn People's Republic of China for global drug trade role

This resolution expresses the Ohio House of Representatives' condemnation of the People's Republic of China for its alleged role in the global drug trade, specifically regarding fentanyl smuggling. The measure cites claims that Chinese authorities tolerate money laundering and drug trafficking within their borders while failing to cooperate with U.S. investigations or apprehend key cartel leaders. It further asserts that the Chinese government provides financial incentives, such as tax rebates and special enterprise designations, to companies involved in producing and exporting fentanyl. Ultimately, the bill calls for the distribution of this resolution to federal officials and the media to highlight these accusations of destabilization.

passed both · Ohio · House Dec 18, 2024

HB 238: Regards occupational regulations

HB 238 updates Ohio's occupational regulations by clarifying definitions for licenses, certifications, and personal qualifications required for various professions. The bill establishes a mandatory review cycle for state licensing boards, requiring them to expire after six years unless renewed by the legislature, which would automatically allow individuals to practice their professions without a license. It also redefines what constitutes an "agency" for government purposes and adjusts the membership of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency while removing certain suspended insurance laws. These changes aim to streamline state oversight and ensure periodic evaluation of regulatory bodies that control professional entry requirements.

passed both · Ohio · Senate Dec 18, 2024

SB 32: Grant immunity for self or other-defense in certain circumstances

SB 32 expands civil immunity for individuals who use force in self-defense or to defend others while protecting members or guests of a nonprofit corporation from violent offenses. Under this bill, a person acting in defense is not liable for injuries or property damage unless their actions involve willful or wanton misconduct, and there is a legal presumption that an intruder with violent intent is responsible for any resulting harm. The legislation also grants immunity to nonprofit organizations, private employers, and government entities from lawsuits related to decisions allowing or prohibiting licensed concealed carry on their premises. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a valid concealed handgun license does not authorize carrying a firearm in specific restricted locations such as schools, courthouses, and certain government buildings.

Tim Schaffer (R) · 22 co-sponsors

passed both · Ohio · Senate Dec 18, 2024

SB 95: Authorize the operation of remote dispensing pharmacies

This bill expands the role of licensed pharmacists by allowing them to dispense medications remotely and administer specific long-acting injections, such as those for addiction treatment, HIV, and mental health conditions. To qualify for these expanded duties, pharmacists must complete specialized training, maintain current basic life-support certification, and operate under strict protocols established by a physician. The legislation also outlines clear procedures for obtaining patient consent, ordering and evaluating necessary drug tests, and monitoring patients for adverse reactions after administration.

Michele Reynolds (R) · 42 co-sponsors

passed · Ohio · House Dec 17, 2024

HB 660: Regards college athlete compensation for name, image, likeness

This bill establishes a legal framework allowing college student-athletes in Ohio to earn compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness without jeopardizing their athletic scholarships or eligibility. It defines specific terms such as "athlete agent" and "institutional marketing associate" to clarify who can help athletes negotiate these deals. The legislation explicitly prohibits schools, athletic associations, and conferences from penalizing athletes or institutions for engaging in such compensation activities or for hiring professional representation. Additionally, it prevents organizations from enforcing rules that would stop athletes from earning money based on their public identity while they are active in intercollegiate sports.

passed · Ohio · House Dec 17, 2024

HB 694: Implement Sunset Review Committee recommendations

HB 694 implements recommendations from the Sunset Review Committee to update how state agencies in Ohio are reviewed for continued existence. The bill establishes clear rules for when agencies created by the legislature must automatically expire unless officially renewed, transferred, or abolished by law. It also defines specific procedures for handling agencies whose original purpose was tied to federal laws that may have changed, ensuring they are re-evaluated if those federal requirements are no longer in effect. By setting these expiration dates and renewal requirements, the legislation aims to eliminate outdated state programs and ensure government bodies remain necessary and effective.

Bill results