Changes to Automobile Insurance Pass Ohio House

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Gerald Stebelton (R-Lancaster) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 278, which increases the minimum amounts required for valid proof of financial responsibility and makes changes to the law governing automobile insurance policies.



“I’m pleased that the House has passed House Bill 278 to update Ohio’s minimum requirements, which have not been changed since 1969,” said Rep. Stebelton. “Responsible drivers incur significant additional costs to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage from their own auto insurance companies, because they know that an oncoming vehicle weighing between 4,000 to 8,000 pounds could hit them and cause severe personal injury and financial devastation for their families. House Bill 278 raises our minimum coverage limits to protect responsible drivers.”



Specifically, House Bill 278:

Increases, nine months after the bill’s effective date, the minimum dollar amounts of motor vehicle public liability insurance coverage required for a driver to have a valid proof of financial responsibility
Makes it an unfair and deceptive act or practice in the business of insurance to charge excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory premium rates in private passenger automobile insurance based solely on the insured’s residence location
Revises the definition of an “automobile insurance policy”
Reduces from two years to one year the minimum policy period for automobile insurance policies
Adds fraud, concealment and license revocation to the list of reasons why an insurer may cancel an automobile insurance policy
Makes changes to the process by which the Superintendent of Insurance reviews the cancellation of an insured’s automobile insurance policy upon written notice by the insured



House Bill 278 passed by a vote of 85-7 and will be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

Ohio House Expands Eligibility for Military Medal

Release:

COLUMBUS—Today the Ohio House of Representatives passed legislation to make changes to the qualifications and circumstances through which a service member would receive the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction. The medal was created during the 127th General Assembly to honor Ohioans who have died while serving their country.

House Bill 532, sponsored by State Representatives Anne Gonzales (R-Westerville) and Casey Kozlowski (R-Pierpont), expands the ability of families of fallen soldiers to obtain the Military Medal of Distinction, which is available to fallen soldiers who are residents of Ohio or who are stationed in Ohio.

“The passage of this bill will allow us to continue honoring our fallen Ohio service members, and I’m pleased that it received so much support,” Representative Kozlowski said.

HB 532 specifies the process for preparing the medals and who is to be presented with it, as well as requiring that a joint convention of the General Assembly is held each year for the presentation. Furthermore, the legislation includes the ability of family members to request a duplicate medal under certain circumstances and creates the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction Fund.

“I’m pleased that the members of the House were willing to make these changes and update the portion of law dealing with the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction,” Representative Gonzales said. “Recognizing our service members who have died for their country with the Medal of Distinction is the least we can do to honor their sacrifice.”

Earlier this month, the General Assembly held a joint convention to present the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction to the families of 28 service members who died while serving their country in 2011. It was the third convention held for this purpose since the creation of the medal.

Ohio House Passes Legislation to Give School Districts More Local Flexibility

Release:

COLUMBUS—In an effort to provide more flexibility at the local level and allow school districts to customize their annual school calendars, the Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 191 with bipartisan support.

House Bill 191 changes the minimum school year for districts and chartered nonpublic schools from 182 days to a requirement of 455 hours for half-day kindergarten, 910 hours for grades 1 through 6, and 1001 hours for grades 7 through 12. The change would go into effect during the 2013-2014 school year.

“This legislation will give school districts the tools they need to provide students with a competitive education and tailor the school year to fit their communities’ needs,” said State Representative Bill Hayes (R-Harrison Township), who sponsored House Bill 191 with State Representative Bill Patmon (D-Cleveland).

The legislation makes other improvements that aim to increase flexibility for school districts, including a measure to eliminate excused calamity days but retain the option of “blizzard bags” and online lessons to make up the equivalent of three school days.

Additionally, House Bill 191 requires districts to hold public hearings on the school calendar 30 days prior to adoption, and requires consultation between districts, community schools and chartered nonpublic schools regarding the impact of any change on transportation and scheduling.

“In the past, we have constructed the school day around the industrial age,” said Representative Patmon. “The work day is eight hours long with a lunch in the middle of the day. Bells ring to identify for workers a change in movement, and so on. However, we are no longer in the industrial age. Ohio’s education system now has E-Classrooms and a lot of flexibility with the exception of the school day. House Bill 191 will help us to move from the industrial age to the information age and show children how today’s current world works.”

House Bill 191 will now be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

Ohio House Passes Bill to Revise Adult Guardianship Procedures

Release:

COLUMBUS—Today the Ohio House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to enact the Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act.

House Bill 27, sponsored by Representatives Peter Stautberg (R-Anderson Twp.) and Tom Letson (D-Warren), creates procedures for the resolution of disputes involving the jurisdiction of courts of different states over adult guardianships.

Some of the provisions of the bill include:

- Authorizing the issuance of emergency orders by probate courts to freeze the financial assets of an individual if that person has gone missing or has been taken to another state, or if there is reason to believe the order is needed to prevent financial harm to the individual

- Requiring that under the normal proceedings for the appointment of a guardian of an adult that the adult be subject to the jurisdiction of the Ohio probate court under the bill and delineating the jurisdiction of the Ohio probate court when Ohio is not the respondent’s home state

- Establishing rules for deciding whether an Ohio probate court should proceed with, stay or dismiss a proceeding for the appointment of a guardian or issuance of a protective order when a proceeding is also filed in another state

- Authorizing an Ohio probate court to request and provide information with a court of another state regarding adult guardianship and protective proceedings, including the ability to take testimony in another state

“I’m very pleased that this bill passed and received so much support by the members of the House,” Representative Stautberg said. “This is an important step in prioritizing the protective proceedings for adults who are no longer able to care for themselves and facilitate cooperation among states with respect to the appropriate exercise of jurisdiction over these proceedings.”

House Bill 27 will now move to the Ohio Senate for further debate and consideration.

Ohio House Passes Legislation to Modify Current Law Governing Physician Assistants

Rlease:

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today announced the passage of House Bill 284, legislation that will authorize physician assistants to perform a wider array of health services and functions.

H.B. 284 enables physician assistants to provide expanded services, including the authority to determine and pronounce death in specified circumstances, issue a do-not-resuscitate order, insert or remove chest tubes, and prescribe physical or occupational therapy. This legislation also makes provisions to include military education among the requirements listed to receive physician assistants. Military members who have served on active duty in a physician assistant position for over three years will qualify for the certificate.

“This legislation is necessary to ensure that Ohioans are receiving the highest quality of care by enabling physicians to be able to fully utilize their physician assistants on staff,” said Representative Gonzales. “Physician assistants receive higher education in the medical field and are fully capable of performing the healthcare services that this legislation allows them to administer. Bridging the gap between services that can be performed by a physician assistant and those that must be performed by a physician is the best way to ensure patients are being cared for in a timely manner.”

House Bill 284 passed in the House by a vote of 89-3, and will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration.

Ohio House Passes Bill That Creates Statewide Arson Registry

Release:

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed Senate Bill 70, legislation that creates a statewide registry for arsonists. Among other things, the bill requires people convicted of arson, including out-of-state, to register with the sheriff in the county of the offender’s residence.

“Senate Bill 70 will provide law enforcement officials with more resources to monitor convicted arsonists whom are often repeat offenders,” said State Representative Danny Bubp (R-West Union), who carried the bill in the House. “With the passing of this legislation, we will potentially save more lives and reduce the damage to personal property, public buildings, forests and farmland. We are sending a clear message to arsonists that we will not tolerate this serious crime.”

Each registered offender will be required to reregister annually, in person, within 10 days of the anniversary of the offender’s initial registration date. Additionally, the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, or BCII, will establish and maintain a Registry of Arson Offenders and Out-of-State Arson Offenders. It will be maintained for public safety purposes and is not a public record.

The registry will be funded by registration fees collected from offenders, equaling $50 initially and an annual reregistration fee of $25 from each offender or out-of-state arson offender. Offenders who are indigent will be waived of the fee.

The bill passed the House 89-2 and will now be sent to the governor’s office.

Culture of Corruption Update: Luckie Edition

Check out stories in the Dayton Daily News and the Columbus Dispatch regarding the latest Democrat to get caught up in ethics trouble that just might lead to the second statehouse member from the left side of the aisle to find himself in state prison.

If you only have time to read one story about State Rep. Clayton Luckie (D-Dayton), make it the Dispatch article as there is more beef in it than the DDN story.

Speaker Batchelder, President Niehaus Announce Session Schedule for Remainder of General Assembly

Release:

COLUMBUS—Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder and Senate President Tom Niehaus today released the session schedule for the remainder of the 129th General Assembly.

All dates are subject to change. Unless otherwise noted, session times are as follows:

SENATE: Tuesdays 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays 1:30 p.m. Thursdays 11:00 a.m.
HOUSE: Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. Wednesdays 1:30 p.m. Thursdays 1:00 p.m.

LEGISLATIVE SESSION SCHEDULE FOR REMAINDER OF 2012:

JULY SENATE HOUSE
31 Session (if needed) Session (if needed)

AUGUST SENATE HOUSE
1 Session (if needed) Session (if needed)
2 Session (if needed) Session (if needed)

SEPTEMBER SENATE HOUSE
11 Session (if needed) Session (if needed)
12 Session (if needed) Session (if needed)

NOVEMBER SENATE HOUSE
14 Session Session
15 Session Session
27 Session Session
28 Session Session
29 Session Session

DECEMBER SENATE HOUSE
4 Session Session
5 Session Session
11 Session Session
12 Session Session
13 Session (if needed) Session (if needed)
18 Session (if needed) Session (if needed)
19 Session (if needed) Session (if needed)

I would complain that there appears to be an awful lot of time off, but I am afraid that they actually would meet...

Kasich Signs Thirteen Bills Into Law

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich signed the following pieces of legislation into law:

H.B. 331 (Dovilla, Bubp) creates the Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council;

H.B. 415 (Sprague, Hill) modifies the maximum amount the Treasurer of State may invest in agricultural linked deposits in the Agricultural Linked Deposit Program;

H.B. 437 (Roegner, Patmon) increases the miles of out-of-state travel that a school district board can authorize for its motor vehicles;

H.B. 490 (Dovilla, Landis) changes the law regarding a County Recorder’s release of a veteran’s record of discharge; modifies the duties of publishing information about Veterans Services offices as pertains to the Director of Veterans Services; modifies the composition of the Veterans Advisory Committee; and grants in-state tuition to nonresident spouses and dependents of those veterans who served on active duty and are deceased;

H.B. 509 (Blair) changes the laws governing local governments; modifies requirements of arresting authorities and courts as pertains to the venereal disease testing of individuals accused of certain offenses; modifies the way funds are allocated from the Ohio Legal Aid Fund; and expands the ability for counties to create joint county boards of job and family services;

S.B. 19 (Hughes) allows a judge to decide to not suspend a probationary driver’s license, restricted license, or temporary instruction permit of certain juvenile repeat traffic violators and requires the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to create advanced juvenile driver improvement programs;

S.B. 193 (Seitz) requires scrap metal dealers to take a photograph of every person selling or giving an article to the dealer and keep the photograph as part of the sales record;

S.B. 196 (Wagoner) changes the Ohio’s Business Opportunity Plan Law;

S.B. 224 (Obhof) shortens the period of limitations for actions upon a written contract;

S.B. 305 (Hughes) prohibits designing, building, or modifying a vehicle in such a way as to create or add a hidden compartment, prohibits the ownership or use of a vehicle with a hidden compartment, and prohibits knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the vehicle has or will be used to facilitate a crime;

S.B. 314 (Wagoner, Cafaro) renames the Department of Development the “Development Services Agency;” establishes the Office of TourismOhio within the Development Services Agency, creates the TourismOhio Advisory Board, and establishes a pilot program for testing a new funding mechanism for state travel and tourism marketing; modifies the operation of JobsOhio; makes changes to the Capital Access Loan Program Fund and allows transfers to that fund from the Minority Business Enterprise Loan Fund; increases the membership of the Ohio Tax Credit Authority and provides for projects started before receiving a tax credit; changes reporting requirements of the Voluntary Action Program; requires the Director of Development Services to administer federal funds received for brownfields revitalization purposes; terminates the Water and Sewer Commission; terminates the Development Financing Advisory Council as of July 1, 2012; increases the membership of the Third Frontier Commission; and makes and appropriation;

S.B. 321 (Beagle) authorizes the State Library Board to establish library districts for association libraries; makes changes to the law governing the operation of public libraries; and declares an emergency; and

S.B. 337 (Seitz, Smith) excludes juvenile proceedings and adjudications from criminal records checks, excludes from public records any records pertaining to an alleged or adjudicated, unruly or delinquent child, or juvenile traffic offender; ensures those sentenced to confinement receive credit for time served in juvenile facilities; expands eligibility for sealing of criminal records and eliminates prohibition of sealing juvenile records in certain cases; defines indigent as related to the payments of fines and fees; makes use or possession with purpose to use drug paraphernalia with marihuana a minor misdemeanor; provides for destruction and removal of criminal records and disabilities of a person who is pardoned; allows an individual subject to civil sanctions as a result of conviction or plea of guilty to a criminal offense to file a petition for relief from the sanctions; creates a procedure for the review of these petitions; allows sentencing court to grant limited relief; allows for the consideration on a case-by-case basis whether it is appropriate to allow the issuance or restoration or an occupational license or employment opportunity; allows for an order of limited relief to be revoked; increases the age from eighteen to twenty-one as the age at which certain offenders may be held in places not authorized for the confinement of children; increases the juvenile court’s jurisdiction for certain cases for the sole purpose of detaining a person while their case is heard in adult court; amends law governing child-support; reduces penalty for driving with a suspended license if the suspension was imposed as part of the penalty for certain offenses not directly involving the operation of a motor vehicle; makes changes in certain other driver’s license suspension provisions; requires the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to study the advisability and feasibility of a one-time amnesty program for drivers who have not paid fees owed for motor vehicle offenses and license suspensions; defines the terms “moral turpitude” and “disqualifying offense” as applied to certain unemployment; adds an ex-offender appointed by the Director of Rehabilitation and Correction to the Ex-offender Reentry Coalition; and prohibits the preclusion of persons from obtaining or renewing certain licenses, certifications, or permits because of past criminal history unless the person has committed a crime of moral turpitude or a disqualifying offense.

St. Reps. Dovilla and Landis Announce Passage of Legislation to Reform Veterans Services

Release:

COLUMBUS— State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) and State Representative Al Landis (R-Dover) today announced the passage of House Bill 490, legislation that will improve the state’s veteran services.

House Bill 490 enables county veteran service officers (CVSOs) to be certified and trained to immediately access to discharge forms (DD-214s), which are required for veterans to receive veteran benefits and medical services. Without CVSO access to these forms, it can take up to 280 days for them to be replaced by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.

“It is our solemn obligation to ensure our veterans have ready access to the medical and educational benefits they have earned,” said Rep. Dovilla. “Our legislation underscores the state’s commitment to providing peace of mind to Ohio’s military families.”

In addition, House Bill 490 fulfills the Ohio GI Promise. The spouse or dependents of a veteran who is deceased, regardless of the location of the death, will be eligible for in-state tuition if they are living in Ohio on the first day of their enrollment.

“We have a responsibility to guarantee state and county agencies are able to serve Ohio’s veterans in efficient and effective manner,” said Rep. Landis. “I am confident H.B 490 will serve our current and future military members and their families and will fulfill our commitment to them.”

Additionally, this legislation will change the composition of the Department of Public Safety’s Veteran Advisory Committee. H.B. 490 adds a member of the National Guard Association of the United States. This addition ensures Ohio National Guardsmen and women are represented in the committee.

While under consideration, the Ohio Senate amended House Bill 405, sponsored by Representative Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville), into House Bill 490. House Bill 405 updates the Ohio Uniform Code of Military Justice and makes other related changes to the state’s veterans statutes.

House Bill 490 unanimously passed in the House and will now be sent to the Governor’s office.

St. Rep. Johnson Announces Passage of Concealed Carry Reciprocity Legislation

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 495, legislation that authorizes the automatic validity in Ohio of a concealed handgun license issued by another state as long as that jurisdiction recognizes Ohio’s license without the need for a reciprocity agreement.

Current law requires the Attorney General to negotiate reciprocity agreements with other states if the other state had eligibility requirements similar to Ohio’s licensure requirements. H.B. 495 will eliminate that requirement, and instead authorizes the Attorney General to determine if another state automatically recognizes Ohio concealed carry licenses without written reciprocity agreements.

In addition to clarifying reciprocity across state lines, this legislation updates the definition of a loaded gun in an automobile to reflect that a magazine containing ammunition must be inserted in the firearm for the gun to be considered loaded. Currently, a gun is considered loaded if both the gun and a loaded clip or speed loader are in a vehicle together. The bill will change the definition so that the gun is not considered loaded unless the speed loader or clip is inserted into the firearm. Furthermore, the bill eliminates the demonstrated competency requirement for a CCW license renewal, instead only requiring applicants to provide proof of training to renew.

“This legislation streamlines the process so that taking a concealed carry license across state lines works in much the same way as a driver’s license,” said Rep. Johnson. “House Bill 495 eases the burden on gun owners traveling from state to state while keeping important safeguards on gun ownership in place.”

House Bill 495 passed by a vote of 57-26 and will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration.

Ohio House Passes Collateral Sanctions Legislation to Remove Barriers to Employment

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Ross McGregor (R-Springfield) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives unanimously passed Senate Bill 337, collateral sanctions reform legislation that focuses on the elimination of barriers that ex-offenders often face when trying to obtain jobs after their release from prison.

Collateral sanctions are restrictions, disabilities, or penalties beyond the direct punishment imposed on individuals at the time of sentencing. SB 337 updates Ohio’s criminal statutes to ensure that those who might have a previous conviction or plea of guilty can obtain employment without facing an unnecessary barrier. The House had previously passed its own version of the legislation, which was jointly sponsored by Representative McGregor and Representative Tracy Maxwell Heard (D-Columbus).

“Senate Bill 337 offers ex-offenders a better chance of being contributing members of society and staying out of prison by ensuring they aren’t unnecessarily hindered in their job search,” Representative McGregor said. “The bill makes important and reasonable reforms that will help keep Ohio’s prison population down, and I’m proud that the House supported it.”

One in every six Ohioans is an ex-offender. Reducing collateral sanctions will likely reduce recidivism and has the potential to increase payroll tax revenues for local communities

St. Reps. Dovilla and Hagan Announce Passage of Legislation Focusing on Economic Development and Government Reform

Release:

COLUMBUS—In an effort to spur long-term economic development and streamline Ohio’s government structure, the Ohio House of Representatives today passed legislation that, when enacted, will reform the Ohio Department of Development in order to continue revitalizing Ohio’s job creation efforts.

Senate Bill 314, companion legislation to House Bill 489 (Dovilla-Hagan), which the House passed in April, will complete the transition from the Ohio Department of Development to the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA). The legislation will revitalize Ohio’s job creation efforts by providing essential services to JobsOhio—the state’s private, non-profit entity created through House Bill 1—including the administration and oversight of loans and tax credits that will further create and expand Ohio businesses.

“This legislation reaffirms our commitment to making Ohio a state that welcomes businesses, tourists, and above all, jobs,” said Representative Dovilla. “Creating an environment which encourages businesses to expand in our state and supports minority-owned business is critical as we seek to restore the promise of opportunity for all Ohioans to prosper.”

Specifically, the legislation would:

Create a pilot program, TourismOhio, to provide a dedicated funding source for tourism marketing;

Improve access to capital for minority-owned businesses by increasing the amount of financing available; and

Reform the tax credit process to ensure businesses are not penalized by delays due to the meeting schedule of the Ohio Tax Credit Authority.

Additionally, the legislation creates within ODSA the Office of TourismOhio, which will be funded through a five-year pilot program that links funding for TourismOhio to the growth in sales tax revenues of tourism-related industries. The TourismOhio Advisory Board the bill creates will include industry experts to provide guidance and support efforts to promote Ohio tourism, on which visitors spend more than $36 billion annually in Ohio.

“Tourism accounts for 439,000 jobs in our state and is clearly a sector that deserves more attention,” said Representative Hagan. “By passing this bill and showing our commitment to a more effective government structure, we are creating an environment where jobs and the tourism related industry flourish. This is a sound and promising investment for Ohioans. In 2011 we saw a substantial return on investment of $14 for every $1 the state invested. The 129th General Assembly is committed to job creation opportunities on every front. I am committed to seeking new and unique opportunities and ways for our economy to prosper.”

Senate Bill 314 passed the House by a vote of 84-5 and, upon final Senate concurrence, will be sent to the governor for approval.

St. Rep. Bubp Announces House Passage of Scrap Metal Legislation

Release:

COLUMBUS— State Representative Danny Bubp (R-West Union) today announced the Ohio House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 193, which makes changes to the law governing scrap metal dealers and bulk merchandise dealers.

Specifically, Senate Bill 193 would amend sections of the Ohio Revised Code to ensure that scrap metal dealers and bulk merchandise dealers maintain an accurate log of containers purchased or received for a minimum period of one year after the date the dealer purchased or received the containers. Under this new bill, scrap metal dealers must take a photograph of each article purchased or received by the dealer and of each person who sells or otherwise gives the dealer the article to protect from scrap metal theft. Furthermore, it prohibits a scrap dealer from purchasing or receiving an article from a person who refuses to allow the dealer to take the required photograph.

“According to information on metal theft insurance claims given by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Ohio leads the nation in scrap metal theft,” said Representative Bubp. “Criminals turn to scrap metal theft for fast cash often to buy drugs, vandalizing property in the process. Although scrap metal theft is a difficult crime to combat, Senate Bill 193 will aid law enforcement in combating the problem.”

With this legislation, if the dealer does not follow the proper procedures for purchasing or receiving scrap metal the dealer is guilty of a third degree misdemeanor. If a dealer does not follow the proper procedures, the dealer is guilty of a third degree misdemeanor. Furthermore, if the dealer violates the photograph requirements more than twice or fails to comply with other provisions of the law two or more times, the dealer is guilty of a first degree misdemeanor.

Senate Bill 193, which passed both the Senate and House Chambers, will now be sent to Governor Kasich for his signature.

Ohio House Approves Conference Committee Report on Gaming Legislation

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COLUMBUS—Ohio House Speaker Pro Tempore Lou Blessing (R-Cincinnati) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives today concurred on the conference committee report for Substitute House Bill 386, legislation that makes revisions to Ohio’s gaming-related laws related to casinos, the state lottery, video lottery terminals, horse racing, and gambling.

 

“House Bill 386 enacts important and comprehensive changes to Ohio’s gaming and casino laws,” said Blessing, who sponsored the legislation. “After much discussion in conference committee, we decided to move forward with the Senate-passed version of the legislation, and I believe that this legislation will greatly benefit Ohioans and our communities.”

 

Specifically, Substitute House Bill 386 makes sweeping changes to Ohio’s gaming-related laws, including provisions to:

• Include a moratorium on new Internet sweepstakes parlors until June 30^th, 2013 and also prevents existing locations from adding new screens
• Provide clarity regarding how the gross casino revenue tax is distributed to school districts
• Clarify the inspector general’s investigatory authority with regards to casino employees

 

With a unanimous vote of 6-0, the conference committee made changes to:

• Provide additional funds for the VLT Lottery Sale Agents Commission for gambling addiction and other related services
• Clarify portions of the racing law at the request of the Harness and Thoroughbred horsemens' associations and Ohio Racing Commission
• Direct $2 million from the Casino Operator Settlement Fund to Communities in which a VLT racetrack is located unless that community already has a casino
• Request that the governor negotiate an additional allocation to local communities after that initial disbursement

 

Substitute House Bill 386 passed by a vote of 71-22.

</blockquote>

Ohio House Passes Collateral Sanctions Legislation to Remove Barriers to Employment

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COLUMBUS—State Representative Ross McGregor (R-Springfield) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 524, collateral sanctions reform legislation that focuses on the elimination of barriers that ex-offenders often face when trying to obtain jobs after their release from prison.

 

Collateral sanctions are restrictions, disabilities, or penalties beyond the direct punishment imposed on individuals at the time of sentencing. The legislation, which was jointly sponsored with Representative Tracy Maxwell Heard (D-Columbus), updates Ohio’s criminal statutes to ensure that those who might have a previous conviction or plea of guilty can obtain employment without facing an unnecessary barrier.

 

“House Bill 524 is a jobs bill that offers ex-offenders more opportunity to be contributing members of society and not recidivate,” Representative McGregor said. “It’s important to that our criminal statutes make sense, and this bill makes important common-sense reforms while also helping to keep Ohio’s prison population down. I’m extremely pleased to see its passage.”

 

One in every six Ohioans are ex-offenders. By reducing collateral sanctions, the legislation will increase employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records, thereby likely reducing recidivism and potentially increasing payroll tax revenues for local communities.

 

House Bill 524 will now move to the Ohio Senate for further debate and consideration.

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Suicide Prevention Legislation Passes Ohio House

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COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed legislation that focuses on training teachers and certain school staff members in youth suicide awareness and prevention

 

Designated the “Jason Flatt Act, Ohio, in honor of Joseph Anielski,” House Bill 543 requires public schools, as well as community (charter) schools and science, technology, engineering and math schools to train teachers and staff in areas regarding suicide prevention.

 

“Experiencing a child commit suicide is one of the most painful things a family can go through,” Speaker Batchelder said. “It is important that people know the warning signs and be ready to help someone going through a difficult time in life. This bill helps raise suicide awareness and prevention and will hopefully save lives in the future.”

 

Under the bill, each school board and other school governing authority would be required to either adopt or adapt to the standards developed by the Ohio Department of Education or develop its own suicide awareness standards in consultation with public or private agencies or persons involved in youth suicide prevention programs.

 

In its 2011 Youth Risk Behavioral Report for Ohio, the Center for Disease Control reported that one in seven Ohio students said they had “seriously considered suicide” in the past 12 months. Slightly more than one in seven had actually “made a plan to commit suicide” in that time. Additionally, one in 11 Ohio students reported “attempting suicide one or more times in the past 12 months,” nearly 50 percent higher than the national average.

 

If signed into law, Ohio would become the 11th state in the nation to pass the Jason Flatt Act. Founded in 1997, The Jason Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit organization with 87 Regional Affiliate Offices in 34 states. Last year, the foundation trained more than 150,000 educators in youth suicide awareness and prevention.

 

HB 543 passed the House unanimously and will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration.

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Ohio House Passes Legislation To Assist Victims of Human Trafficking

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COLUMBUS—Today, the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 262, which requires that a minor who is a victim of trafficking in persons be provided with appropriate services. These services include developing procedures for reuniting the minor with the family members in the minor’s country of origin, developing procedures for administering special physical and mental healthcare to the victim, and taking necessary action to promote awareness of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline in areas of high visibility and high trafficking activity.

 

This bill is designed to protect victims of human trafficking from criminal prosecution, focusing prosecution efforts on human traffickers. This legislation will exempt minor victims of trafficking from the offense of solicitation if the crime is committed under duress or coercion. This bill is a follow up to Senate Bill 235, which increased penalties for human trafficking, passed during the previous General Assembly.

 

“This legislation plays a vital role in Ohio’s defense against human trafficking,” said House Speaker William G. Batchelder. “Human trafficking has been on the rise in recent years, specifically in Ohio, and it is important that we are implementing the necessary safeguards to ensure both that our children are safe in their own neighborhoods and that these criminals are prosecuted accordingly.”

 

Ohio is a prime location for trafficking because of its highway system and access to international airports. There have been cases of human trafficking reported in every county in the state.

 

H.B. 262 passed with unanimous support in the House and will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration.

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Bill to Revise EPA Laws Passes in the Ohio House

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COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed legislation that will revise laws pertaining to the operation and regulations of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). The legislation, Senate Bill 294, addresses waste management, outlines safety protocol for the handling of specific types of waste, and simplifies certain administrative aspects of the OEPA.

 

“Senate Bill 294 revises state standards for the management of certain types of waste that may pose environmental or health risks,” said Representative Dave Hall, Chairman of the Ohio House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. “These are crucial changes for our state, and I commend Senator Schaffer and Director Nally for working together to strengthen our protections while simplifying the law.”

 

Among many of the changes to specific programs contained in SB 294, it specifies the exemption of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials from municipal solid waste fees so that they can be accepted at a specially licensed construction and demolition debris facility or a municipal solid waste landfill. Additionally, the construction and demolition debris fees will be lower.

 

“This legislation promotes responsible disposal, but doesn’t put Ohio businesses in a bind with extraneous regulation,” Representative Hall said. “By clarifying the rules for waste management, compliance will be greater and our communities will be safer.  This legislation does as much for public safety as it does for the environment.”

 

Wetlands are further protected through SB 294 by clarifying that a business must demonstrate that it attempted to use other means of mitigation for wetlands impact before using the new in-lieu fee program. It also allows for wetlands categories verified by OEPA to be valid for a period of five years.

 

Also among the provisions of the bill, it makes the OEPA more responsive in the sense that alters the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit system so that compliance history can be taken into account and that the permits for coal facilities must be granted or denied within a 60 day window. Furthermore, a customer service program will be added to the Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention. This will allow businesses and others to freely comment on how performance can be better improved.

 

Senate Bill 294 will now return to the Senate for a vote of concurrence.

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Ohio House Passes Legislation to Provide Real-Time Traffic Data

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COLUMBUS—State Representative Craig Newbold (1^st – Columbiana) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 514, which authorizes the director of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to enter into an agreement or contract with any entity to establish a traveler information program to provide real-time traffic conditions and travel information free to travelers.

 

“The goal of House Bill 514 is to use technology to keep individuals and businesses informed of traffic congestion or major delays to help them plan for alternate routes,” said Representative Newbold, who sponsored the legislation. “This will allow us to maximize our time management and cost-efficiency while on the road, while at the same time utilizing technology to our advantage and improving Ohio’s overall infrastructure. House Bill 514 is an important step toward improving our ability to travel throughout the state, enhancing our economic system and increasing public safety.”

 

House Bill 514 makes it the official duty of ODOT to provide a modern traffic management system that offers real-time data such as traffic speed, traffic volume, weather conditions and road construction. The director of ODOT would contract with a private vendor to employ a traffic management system, and the private vendor would be responsible for all costs associated with developing the program. Any excess revenue from the program will remain with ODOT for the purpose of improving Ohio’s highway system.

 

House Bill 514 passed by a vote of 81-15 and will be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

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