This bill proposes adding a new section to the Ohio Constitution that requires voters to present valid identification when casting their ballots in person. To vote, individuals must show a current photo ID issued by the state or federal government, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. The measure also allows for alternative verification methods, including a signature and another unique identifier, and includes an exception for voters with sincere religious objections to being photographed. If approved by voters, these identification rules would become law immediately.
To amend sections 107.56, 126.42, 340.04, 4743.09, 4745.04, 4757.41, 4758.01, 4758.02, 4758.03, 4758.10, 4758.11, 4758.12, 4758.13, 4758.15, 4758.16, 4758.17, 4758.20, 4758.21, 4758.22, 4758.221, 4758.23, 4758.24, 4758.25, 4758.26, 4758.27, 4758.28, 4758.29, 4758.30, 4758.31, 4758.32, 4758.35, 4758.36, 4758.39, 4758.40, 4758.41, 4758.42, 4758.43, 4758.44, 4758.45, 4758.46, 4758.47, 4758.48, 4758.51, 4758.54, 4758.55, 4758.56, 4758.57, 4758.59, 4758.62, 4758.63, 4758.64, 4758.70, 4758.72, 4776.01, 4776.20, 5119.94, and 5122.15; to enact sections 4758.011, 4758.38, 4758.49, 4758.491, 4758.65, 4758.651, 4758.66, and 4758.661; and to repeal section 4758.52 of the Revised Code to change the name of the Chemical Dependency Professionals Board to the Behavioral Health Professionals Board, to require the Board to certify peer supporters and qualified mental health professionals, and to make other changes to the laws governing the Board and the professionals it regulates.
HB 639 creates a legal defense for racing facilities and racetracks against nuisance lawsuits brought by property owners within a five-mile radius who purchased or built on their land after the facility was constructed. It states that claims based on typical operations - like noise, traffic, or lighting - cannot succeed if the facility is lawfully operating. The defense applies regardless of future changes to the facility’s size, technology, or racing types, but does not override environmental laws, health/safety regulations, or claims for physical damage or injury. This bill directly affects property owners in the defined area and ensures racing facilities cannot be sued for normal, lawful activities.
HB 646 creates the Data Center Study Commission to examine the impacts of data centers within the state. The commission, composed of 13 appointed members (including from the Governor and legislative leaders), will study environmental effects, electrical grid strain, water usage, economic impacts, and other factors through public meetings. It must submit a report to state leaders within six months, after which the commission will dissolve. This bill does not change current regulations but establishes a process for gathering data to inform future decisions about data center development.
HB 582 proposes to amend specific sections of the Revised Code (4717.01, 4717.12, 4717.24, and 4717.30) that pertain to embalmers, funeral directors, and crematories. This bill directly affects individuals and businesses operating in these death care professions by modifying the existing laws that govern them. However, the provided abstract does not detail the specific changes or provisions introduced by these amendments.
