RELEASE: LaRose Seeks to Update Ohio's Drug Abuse Laws

COLUMBUS — State Senator Frank LaRose (R-Copley) yesterday introduced legislation to ensure that Ohio's drug abuse laws appropriately reflect the potency of fentanyl and address its growing prevalence in overdose deaths.

"The alarming number of recent fentanyl related deaths is a serious concern," said LaRose. "This legislation has the potential to save lives by getting these highly potent drugs off our streets."

Fentanyl, a drug typically prescribed in clinical settings, is used as a powerful synthetic opiate to treat or manage pain after surgery. In some instances, the drug is prescribed to treat patients with chronic pain who are tolerant of other opiates.

In 2014, fentanyl overdoses resulted in 502 deaths, according to preliminary data from the Ohio Department of Health. This number is nearly 6 times higher than the previous year.

The legislation would change what constitutes a “bulk amount” in order to adequately recognize the seriousness of the illegal use and trafficking of fentanyl. The bill establishes that five milligrams or more of fentanyl or an amount equal to or exceeding one gram of a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance that contains any amount of fentanyl and that is not in a final dosage form manufactured by an authorized manufacturer constitutes a bulk amount for the purposes of drug offense laws.

The bill also harmonizes state law with federal law by adding lisdexamfetamine to the Ohio schedule of controlled substances. Lisdexamfetamine is used to treat ADHD and hyperactivity and is at a high risk of being abused, especially in juveniles.

GUEST COLUMN: LaRose Recognizes National Voter Registration Day

Encouraging Voter Registration and Participation
A Guest Column by State Senator Frank LaRose

St. Sen. Frank LaRose

Tuesday September 22, 2015 marks National Voter Registration Day. In 2008, six million Americans did not vote because they missed the registration deadline or were not familiar with the process of registering to vote. In 2015, we want to ensure that every citizen is able to register and make use of their right to vote. That is why on this day each year volunteers, celebrities, and organizations from across the United States will "hit the streets" for National Voter Registration Day.

The purpose of this day is to coordinate field, technology, and media efforts to create a lasting awareness of voter registration opportunities that allows previously unregistered voters to be reached. A network of a thousand organizations operating on the ground and through social media will register tens of thousands of voters and tens of thousands more online while receiving pledges to vote from those already registered.

Millions of voters need to register and re-register each year and this awareness campaign utilizes new technology to inform more Americans about the voter registration process than ever before.

I have introduced legislation in the Ohio Senate to further these goals by designating the fourth Tuesday in September as "Voter Registration Awareness Day."

A group of community leaders brought this proposal to my attention as a way to encourage voter participation across Ohio. This legislation builds on that concept and emphasizes to all Ohioans the importance of registering to vote. This legislation ensures that Ohio recognizes Voter Registration Awareness Day on the same day established by the National Association of Secretaries of State as National Voter Registration Day.

Senate Bill 169 affirms Ohio's commitment to encouraging voter registration and increasing the ease of access to elections. This effort serves as a complement to Senate Bill 63, a bill I introduced earlier this year to establish online voter registration in Ohio. Senate Bill 63 passed the Ohio Senate with near unanimous support and is awaiting a hearing in the Ohio House of Representatives. By commemorating Voter Registration Awareness Day, we are not only encouraging Ohioans to exercise their right to vote, but to play a pivotal role in the democratic process.

St. Sen. LaRose Announces Historic Tax Cut, Largest Investment in Public Education in a Decade

Release:

COLUMBUS– Senator Frank LaRose (R– Copley) today announced the passage of House Bill 59, the state’s two-year operating budget. The bill contains as its cornerstones one of the largest single-year tax cuts in Ohio’s history as well as the largest legislative investment in public education in more than 10 years.

“Our state economy is finally moving in the right direction - in fact we currently lead the nation in job creation. By working together we’ve come a long way in the last two years, but there’s more work to do. We must keep Ohio moving in the right direction and this budget does just that.” said LaRose. “Today we passed a budget that allows hard working Ohioans to keep more of what they earned, with perhaps that largest tax cut in state history; invests in our future by providing the largest increase to K-12 public education funding in more than a decade; and fully funds the Clean Ohio program to preserve and protect Ohio’s precious parks and natural environment. All of this is much more accomplished while providing a responsible and balanced budget to efficiently fund Ohio’s essential government operations. As with any human endeavor, no piece of legislation is perfect; certainly there are areas where I would have preferred a different approach. That said, this budget is the product of more than six months of collaborative hard work, reflecting the diverse voices of this great state. I was proud to support this budget today so that together we can continue to grow our state and keep our Ohio moving in the right direction.”

The bill authorizes $2.7 billion in tax cuts, which includes a 10 percent income tax cut over the next three years. The bill also delivers much-needed tax relief for Ohio’s small businesses through a 50 percent cut on the first $250,000 of net business income. Small businesses comprise 98 percent of the state’s employers and employ approximately 47 percent of all Ohioans.

In addition to enacting tax relief that is vital in keeping our economy healthy and growing, the bill also works to modernize and streamline the state’s outdated and complicated tax code and establish a fairer and more comprehensible system that promotes job growth. To do this, the bill eliminates many exemptions, credits and loopholes. The plan works to shift the state away from its current reliance on income taxes toward a structure that relies more heavily on consumption taxes.

The proposal, which will become law with the Governor’s signature, also contains a $717 million increase in spending on primary and secondary education, the largest legislative investment in public schools in more than a decade. The bill also includes $250 million for the newly created “Straight-A Fund,” which provides grants to promote innovation in our schools and efficiency in district operations and more than $78 million to support important early childhood education programs.

The higher education plan instituted by House Bill 59 is a model for the nation that focuses on graduation and degree completion, not simply student enrollment. The plan also serves Ohio’s rising student population by establishing a 2% cap on tuition increases at all of Ohio’s public universities. Over the past 5 years, Ohio has had the second lowest tuition increases for public universities.

Additional Provisions Include:

Local Governments: Distributes an estimated $27.6 billion in state aid to local governments and school districts over the next two years. 85% of dollars collected by the state are passed along to local schools, governments, and community programs.

Reforming Workers Compensation: Reduces BWC payments by 2% for private employers and 4% for public employers as responsible management has created stable fund balances. The bureau will also be empowered to reform its payment system to save Ohio employers $900 million.

Investing in Our Workforce: Provides $1 million to train workers in the bioscience manufacturing industry by partnering with community colleges. An additional $2 million will be appropriated to create training programs that will prepare Ohio workers for growing jobs in the oil & natural gas industry.

Supporting Wellness & Safety:

Drug & Alcohol Treatment: Invests $100 million in drug and alcohol treatment, and mental health services, including a $5 million pilot project to deal with convicts’ drug addictions after release from prison in an effort to slow recidivism rates and drug use simultaneously.

Developmentally Disabled: Provides $5.4 million for home healthcare services for developmentally disabled Ohioans.

Other Important Programs:

TourismOhio: Increases funding by 14%, making $8 million available each year to support and grow the state’s tourism industry.

Hispanic & Latino Affairs: Invests an additional 19% in fiscal year 2015 to help serve Ohio’s fastest-growing demographic population.

Human Trafficking: Transfers more than $500,000 to the Highway Patrol for equipment to scan commercial trucks to better detect trafficking victims.

UPDATE: Additional quotes:

“This budget is the second chapter in a story about Ohio’s recovery. The last budget put us on track and this budget continues that progress and keeps us moving forward,” said Faber. “This is a budget about every Ohioan and giving every Ohioan the opportunity to succeed. Our focus in the legislature has been creating an environment where the economy can grow, we can create jobs, and we can educate our workforce. This budget prioritizes Ohio’s resources to do just that.”

“This budget is all about increasing opportunity, growing our economy, and making sure that all Ohioans are able to find work,” said Finance Chairman Scott Oelslager (R–North Canton). “Our plan gives a 50% tax cut for our small businesses to boost job creation and a 10% income tax cut for all Ohioans so that everyone can keep more of their hard earned money.”

LaRose Seeks to Further Streamline Ohio’s Regulatory System

Release:

COLUMBUS — Looking to build on the progress made in the 129th General Assembly, Ohio Senator Frank LaRose (R- Copley) today introduced legislation that aims to take the next steps in reforming Ohio’s regulatory structure, easing the burden on employers so Ohio families can prosper.

“Outdated and inefficient regulations continue to stifle business growth in our state. We have made progress in the past two years as we work together to create a pro-business environment in Ohio, but there is clearly more improvement needed,” LaRose said. “This bill will help maintain the important protections provided by effective regulation while at the same time ensuring that entrepreneurs can continue to invest here and create opportunities for Ohioans.”

The bill is the result of suggestions from the 2008 Regulatory Reform Task Force as well as good ideas from both members and staff of the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). JCARR is comprised of members of both the Senate and House and is responsible for reviewing administrative rules proposed by state agencies, departments, boards and commissions. LaRose currently serves as a member of JCARR and chaired the committee last year.

The measure, Senate Bill 3, seeks to increase input by stakeholders and the public in the rule-making process by establishing a web site that will notify users about rule filings, changes and public hearing opportunities. The site will also allow users to receive notifications on rules that impact specific subjects or industries. It also allows JCARR to refer proposed or existing rules to the Common Sense Initiative Office, which reviews rules to determine if they have an adverse business impact, and requires statewide office holders to comply with the business review provisions when establishing new rules. Finally, the bill requires fines levied to be paid into the state’s General Revenue Fund rather than the enforcing agency’s budget.

LaRose also introduced several other measures today. Senate Bill 8 would make military spouses eligible for unemployment compensation if they must leave their job in order to accompany their spouse for an assignment. Endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, this change will help support military families throughout the state. He also reintroduced a joint resolution that changes the process by which Ohio draws its legislative and Congressional districts. The plan received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate last year.

Ohio Senate Committee Chairs Announce School Safety Hearing Schedule

Release:

STATEHOUSE- Senate Education Chair Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering) and Senate Public Safety, Local Government & Veterans Affairs Chair Frank LaRose (R-Copley) today announced the schedule for the Senate school safety hearings. The panel will be comprised of both of the Senate Standing Committees chaired by Senators Lehner and LaRose.

The joint hearings were announced on January 30, 2013 by Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina). You can view President Faber's announcement here.

The schedule will be as follows:

Hearings focusing on prevention and mental health will be chaired by Senator Lehner. The hearings will be held at the following times:

February 12, 2013 at 7:00pm
February 26, 2013 at 7:00pm

Hearings focusing on security, school infrastructure, law enforcement response, training, and all aspects pertaining to protection will be chaired by Senator LaRose. The hearings will be held at the following times:

March 5, 2013 at 7:00pm
March 12, 2013 at 7:00pm

Professionals in the fields of education, public safety, and mental health as well as parents and all interested Ohioans are encouraged to participate and share ideas. The committee is seeking the input from a wide range of individuals who would like to share their ideas and expertise. If you would like to participate in the hearings, or if you would simply like to share your ideas, you can contact SchoolSafety@OhioSenate.gov or join the conversation on Twitter by using hashtag #OHSafeSchools.

All hearings will be held in the Senate Finance Hearing Room. Audio and video recording as well as photography will be permitted at the discretion of the Co-Chairs. Please contact their offices prior to the hearing.

Ohio Senate President Faber Announces Joint Committee on School Safety

Release:

(Columbus) - Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina) today announced the establishment of a joint committee to address school safety and the prevention of violent acts in public spaces.

The bipartisan Committee on Safe and Secure Schools will include members of the Senate Public Safety and Education committees and will be co-chaired by Senator Frank LaRose (R-Copley Twp) and Senator Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering).

“Our only agenda is to make sure our children are as safe as they can be and that we deter those who have violent intentions,” said President Faber. “This committee will engage safety experts and the public in a thoughtful discussion to find reasonable solutions to the problem of violence in public spaces.”

The recent mass violence incidents in places such as Chardon, Ohio, Newtown, Connecticut, and Aurora, Colorado have heightened awareness of the need to protect our communities and recognize the warning signs of potential danger. The committee will take a broad approach and discuss issues including mental health standards, successful programs on bullying, and safety plans for first responders.

“This committee will have two priorities – protection and prevention,” said Senator LaRose. “We want to make schools a safe place to learn and ensure professionals have the tools they need to identify those likely to commit offenses.”

Senator Lehner says mental health will be a major focus of the committee. “We hope to better identify the potential for this type of violent act and get help for those at risk,” said Lehner. “This is a very challenging and complicated issue, but there is a very strong will within the Senate to tackle the problem.”

The Committee will announce meeting dates within the next few days, as well as opportunities for the general public to provide feedback and ideas to the committee.

GUEST COLUMN: "New Year Brings a New Approach to Business in Ohio"

By State Senator Frank LaRose

With 2012 underway, lawmakers have returned to Columbus committed to building on the recovery and reform measures of 2011. Last year saw new, innovative approaches to job creation and a renewed effort to put the ‘Open for Business’ sign back on Ohio 's front door. While Ohio has embarked on a road to recovery, many challenges remain. I embrace the hard work that is needed as we all strive together, to rebuild our great state.

Ohio’s small business people and entrepreneurs know all too well that bureaucratic red tape and over-regulation have been main culprits in driving jobs away from the Buckeye State in recent years. Far too many of our communities have taken the hit as families have moved away in order to find work and gain greater financial security. Clearly, something needed to be done.

To return prosperity to Ohio we must get control over run-away government regulations, but this does not mean that a laissez-faire regulatory system is what Ohio needs. History has taught us the import role government must play to protect working people, minority groups, our natural environment and the other interests of a civil society. We all recognize that there must be rules of the road to protect against those unscrupulous operators who would allow self interest to trump civic virtue. But what we can’t allow is cumbersome, unnecessary and overly complex regulations to continue to make Ohio a place unfriendly to business growth.

What we need is balance. We need a thoughtful approach to government regulation which considers a cost-benefit analysis before acting. Last year we took action passing Senate Bill 2 with broad bi-partisan support.

With the passage of Senate Bill 2, we empowered the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) with new authority to shut down bureaucratic overreach and stand up for common sense. I was recently given the responsibility of leading this critical committee as its new chairman. In this capacity, I will work with my fellow committee members and a very capable team of analysts to review every rule proposed by Ohio 's various state agencies.

As an oversight authority created decades ago, JCARR's charge has long been to evaluate the impact of any proposed regulations and to ensure that they do not go beyond an agency's intended authority. However, due to its limited scope and authority, JCARR has sometimes been powerless to prevent the implementation of burdensome regulations that have contributed to jobs and capital exiting the state. All that changed recently.

The recent legislative action provided our committee with a "fifth prong" that will allow us to recommend the invalidation of any rules deemed as negatively affecting business in the State of Ohio . Under the change, agencies now must file a "business impact analysis" for any proposed regulation that will affect Ohio ’s job creators. The newly-established Common Sense Initiative Office (CSIO) will assist in evaluating the roughly 9,000 rules that come before JCARR on an annual basis.

Though the rule review process often proves too technical and dry to garner much attention, the purpose of this recent change is simple in that it will allow Ohio to grow jobs, expand sustainable industries, and prosper through the elimination of unnecessary and nonsensical government regulations.

As Chairman, I am working with my fellow committee members to put Ohio back to work by restoring commonsense to government rules and regulations.

Quality, well-paying jobs empower working Ohioans and allow families to live the American dream. This is the notion that inspired me to run for office in the first place. The solution to Ohio 's problems is better, smarter government, and in some cases, less government. That is what this new approach does. Ohio has always been a great place to live and raise a family. We can once again make it a great place to work and start a business!

GUEST COLUMN: "Respecting the Fallen"

By State Senator Frank LaRose

My first year serving our community in the Ohio Senate has taught me much, but perhaps the most important lesson was that many of the best ideas for Ohio’s future come from people like you. From suggestions on tax reform and job creation to common sense ideas for sparking our economy, the opinions that you share with me continue to shape the work I do for you in Columbus.

An example of this came several months ago when a man from Ellet, in training to become a police officer, shared a thought on my Facebook page. Tim Sayre expressed his desire to better protect dash camera videos of officers who are killed while on duty. The idea is to prevent families from having to repeatedly bear witness to a loved one's final moments. Clearly, documents of this nature are sensitive and personal to those involved - basic decency and respect demands that they be treated with added care.

Mr. Sayre’s idea is what led me to introduce Senate Bill 226. Legislation of this kind will better protect the families of slain officers from the unnecessary emotional strain that could stem from the repeated airings of videos capturing the deaths of peace officers. Through my proposal, I hope to limit the exploitation and overexposure that could occur once dash cam footage of an officer’s death is released.

In these types of cases, Ohio Law currently requires that the videotape or visual media be released to any person who has requested it. Senate Bill 226 proposes a minor modification to current law that will provide greater respect for the final moments of an officer’s life. While crafting this bill, I met with members of the press and groups concerned with protecting public access to government records. In response to their concerns, we stipulated in the bill that the public, including the press, could continue to access the videos, just not take a copy home with them. Upon enactment, such videos would remain public documents and continue to be made available to everyone, but would only be accessible by visiting a local law enforcement office. In this way reporters could view the tape, write their story and keep the public informed. What they cannot do is take the footage for broadcast, sensationalizing the personal tragedy of our bravest men and women.

An informed citizenry is the cornerstone of any democracy, and we can all agree that legislation like this must preserve the people’s right to access government records. Public access to documents and information is crucial for Ohioans to hold their government accountable for its actions. This is far too important to ever be treated trivially. But, Ohioans are also sensitive to the notion that human life is precious and believe in respecting the families of our fallen officers. I’m confident that my bill achieves this important balance.

Senate Bill 226 is a sound measure rooted in common sense and compassion. Its passage would reinforce the respect we all hold for our peace officers and their families.

Ohio Senate Eliminates Historic Shortfall Without Raising Taxes

Release:

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Senate passed a balanced, reform-minded state budget today that reduces spending and eliminates a projected $8 billion shortfall without raising taxes.

“Never before in the history of our state have we experienced such a dramatic shortfall in revenue,” said Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond). “We had a choice. We could either reduce spending or raise taxes by as much as 56 percent, and asking Ohio families to pay more in this tough economy just wasn't an option in our view. This budget is balanced with a lot of smart thinking and shared sacrifice, and I'm confident that Ohioans who deal with those realities every day at home will appreciate that effort.”

The total biennial budget reduces spending over the current fiscal year by $3 billion in Fiscal Year 2012 and $2.4 billion in Fiscal Year 2013.

Senate Republicans made difficult but necessary decisions to get spending under control through responsible reform, restructuring state revenue streams and enacting long-overdue improvements to high-cost programs, such as Medicaid, education and prison operations. Senators added an additional $115 million to bolster school funding levels over the House version of the budget, ensuring that every school district in the state gets at least the same amount of basic state aid they received in the current fiscal year. Senate Republican leadership also identified an additional $100 million to support local governments, helping communities across the state sustain vital services in a tough economy.

“When we received the budget in the Senate we started to work on trying to reduce the burden to schools and the burden to our communities, and we did that,” said Senator Frank LaRose (R-Akron). “We didn’t erase all the cuts, but to pass a state budget in this time and to fill an $8 billion hole in the structural imbalance that we had without raising taxes, well, a year ago folks said it couldn’t be done. We were able to accomplish this goal by making difficult but thoughtful decisions to get spending under control and place the limited resources we had in areas of greatest need.”

The Senate budget preserves the final phase-in of a 21 percent across-the-board income tax reduction approved in 2005, which is estimated to put more than $800 million back into the wallets of Ohio families at a time when they need it most. The bill also includes tax incentives for job creation, community revitalization and economic development, as well as historic levels of property tax relief - $1.7 billion annually over the biennium, for every Ohio homeowner. Ohio 's job-killing estate tax, often called the “Death Tax,” would be eliminated by 2013.

Substitute House Bill 153 received 15 public hearings in the Senate Finance Committee, where legislators heard more than 74 hours of testimony on the budget from 491 witnesses. The bill now moves to a conference committee process for reconciliation with the Ohio House version of the budget. The General Assembly faces a constitutional requirement to send the governor a balanced budget by June 30th.

Highlights of Substitute House Bill 153

Focusing on Fiscal Discipline & Reform:

* Balanced Budget - eliminates a projected $8 billion structural imbalance created by the previous biennial budget
* No New Taxes - balances the budget without requiring Ohioans to pay anymore of their hard-earned money
* Responsible Reform - consolidates and restructures Medicaid services (the largest single expenditure in the budget) to ensure fiscal stability
* Public-Private Partnerships - continues a nationwide trend toward merging public sector needs with the talent and efficiency of the private sector

Putting Students & Quality Education First:

· Basic Aid - holds every school district harmless so that state funding per student is not reduced below current levels (excluding federal stimulus dollars)

· Excellent Schools Incentive - provides a $17 per pupil supplemental payment for schools rated excellent or excellent with distinction

· Special Education - provides scholarship funding for children with special needs who rely on special services unavailable in their school district

· Charter School Reform - upholds quality and operational controls in existing law and adopts new accountability measures

· Parochial Schools - restores baseline funding for chartered non-public schools to ensure parity in support levels with public schools

Providing Tax Relief in Tough Times:

* Income Tax Cut - reinstates a 4.2 percent annual reduction in state income tax rates for every Ohio taxpayer (approved in 2005)
* Property Tax Relief - provides $1.7 billion annually in property tax relief over the biennium
* Tax Incentives - enacts tax credits for community revitalization efforts, job retention for major employers and economic development
* Estate Tax - eliminates the job-killing, anti-small business Death Tax in 2013

Preparing Ohio 's Future Workforce:

* Live & Learn Program - allows out-of-state college students to pay in-state tuition rates in exchange for living in Ohio for at least five years after graduation
* National Guard Scholarships - develops a partnership with Ohio 's higher education institutions to ensure that National Guard Scholarships are fully funded
* Tuition Limits - caps tuition increases to 3.5 percent to ensure an affordable college education

Investing in the Health & Welfare of Our Kids:

* Children's Hospitals - reinstates full funding to $6 million a year, allowing the hospitals to draw down additional federal support
* Help Me Grow - restores funding for a program that provides expectant parents with health and developmental services
* Kinship Care - restores funding for a program for relatives who become primary caregivers when parents are unable or unavailable to care for a child
* Accountable Care Organizations - creates a process for developing coordinated pediatric services for children with disabilities
* Adoption Assistance - provides $7 million to counties for adoption services
* Child Support Enforcement - provides $7 million to counties, allowing a $14 million draw-down of additional federal support
* Immunizations - added $2.5 million in FY 2013 for the purchase of child health immunizations

Providing Support for Quality Health Care:

* Non-Contracting Policy - reinstates existing law requiring hospitals to provide Medicaid services by contract through a managed care plan
* PASSPORT - added $15 million to the program that supports at-home care for Ohioans who prefer to live independently in their own homes
* Pill Mills - fully funded the recently-passed legislation designed to crack down on prescription drug abuse

Focusing on Economic Development & Government Efficiency:

* JobsOhio - provides full support to an innovative new public-private effort to generate job growth and economic development
* Shared Services - permits local governments to tear down walls that currently prevent townships, villages, cities, counties and school districts from working together to share services, reduce costs and provide better taxpayer value
* Lottery Management - allows the Lottery Commission to improve operational performance by contracting with a private vendor for day-to-day management
* Reducing Bureaucracy - decentralizes the E-Check emissions testing program so motorists can have their vehicles checked at certified locations when doing routine maintenance

Senator LaRose Announces Passage of Bill That Will Help Military Personnel Involved in Child Custody Cases

Release:

COLUMBUS— State Senator Frank LaRose (R- Akron) announced that the Ohio Senate voted Wednesday to approve House Bill 121, legislation that addresses special custody concerns impacting Ohio’s military families. Senator LaRose sponsored companion legislation in the Senate.

 

House Bill 121 gives military parents the option of participating in child custody and visitation rights proceedings via electronic means, such as video conferencing or over the telephone. It also prohibits a parent’s absence due to past, present or possible future military service from being the sole determining factor in awarding custody.

 

“Those Ohioans in the military make significant sacrifices while serving their country, which can be particularly difficult on their families and loved ones,” LaRose said. “The changes made by House Bill 121 will help alleviate the burden custody and visitation decisions can have on a parent who is called to active duty and ensure that their relationship with their child is interrupted as little as possible.”

 

In addition, House Bill 121 allows a parent with visitation rights who is called to active duty to delegate their visitation rights to a relative or to another person with a close and substantial relationship with the child and requires the other parent to facilitate contact between the parent and child while the parent is on active military service.

 

The Senate included an emergency clause in their version of the bill in order to ensure that the bill’s protections will be available to members of the Ohio National Guard who will be mobilized in the summer and fall.

 

The bill now moves back to the Ohio House, where members must agree to the changes made by the Senate. The bill would then become effective Ohio law immediately upon being signed by the governor.

Today in the Ohio Senate

Session Schedule:

At today's session (1:30 p.m.), the Senate will consider the following legislation:

• Regulatory Reform: House Bill 95, sponsored by State Representative Peter Stautberg (R-Anderson Township), modernizes the regulatory process for Ohio's natural gas industry.  The legislation updates antiquated statutes in the Ohio Revised Code and facilitates investments in the natural gas infrastructure that contributes to Ohio's economic vitality.  The bill preserves all of the Public Utility Commission's authority to review utility rate requests, while at the same time helping to reduce overall costs to ratepayers.

• Military Child Custody:  House Bill 121, sponsored by State Representative Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) with companion legislation in the Senate sponsored by Senator Frank LaRose (R-Akron), is specifically designed to help Ohio's military service members who are faced with losing custody of a child due to active duty obligations.  The bill prohibits a parent's absence due to past, present or possible future military service from being the sole determining factor in awarding custody of a child, and it allows a parent who has court-ordered visitation rights to apply for a temporary order delegating those rights to a relative or person with a substantial relationship with the child.  It also gives military parents the option of participating in child custody and visitation rights proceedings via electronic means, such as videoconferencing or telephone.  Senator LaRose testified in committee, "This bill will help to ensure that parental responsibilities are not diminished as a result of military service, while keeping the child's emotional and physical well-being at the forefront of custody and visitation decisions."

Senator LaRose Appointed to Clean Ohio Council

Release:

COLUMBUS— State Senator Frank LaRose (R- Akron) announced today he has been appointed to the Clean Ohio Council by Ohio Senate President Tom Niehaus (R- New Richmond). The panel is tasked with selecting projects that will receive grants and low-interest loans from the Clean Ohio Fund.  First authorized in 2000 and renewed by voters in 2008, the Clean Ohio Fund provides funding that assists communities in cleaning and repurposing brownfields and vacant lots in industrial areas so they can be used for future economic development opportunities. The program also supports the preservation of green spaces and farmland throughout the state.

 

“The Clean Ohio Program has awarded funds to projects throughout the state directly contributing to job creation for Ohio ’s families.  Clean Ohio helps our communities by encouraging economic development and cleaning-up blighted industrial sites,” LaRose said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Clean Ohio Council to approve worthy projects that will continue the tremendous success of this program.”

 

The Clean Ohio Council is comprised of 14 members, including: the Director of Development, the Director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Lieutenant Governor, two members each from the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives. The remaining seven members are appointed by the Governor and represent local governments, business, and development interests and environmental advocacy organizations. The Director of the Ohio Public Works Commission serves as a nonvoting member.  More information on Clean Ohio is available at www.clean.ohio.gov.

St. Sen. LaRose Applauds PUCO Decision on Rules Regarding Private Commercial Motor Vehicles

St. Sen. Frank LaRose

Release:

COLUMBUS— State Senator Frank LaRose (R- Akron) applauds the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s (PUCO) decision to rescind unnecessarily stringent rules that would have applied to some motor vehicles weighing between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds. The PUCO had twice delayed active enforcement of the rules after concerns were raised by legislators and citizens. This issue was brought to Sen. LaRose’s attention by a constituent who wrote him a letter detailing the harmful impact the regulations would have on his small business.

 

“These rules would have placed an undue burden on hard-working Ohio businesses and increased their operating costs making them less competitive. I am pleased we have been able to get the rules rescinded,” said LaRose, who serves as vice-chairman of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee. “I commend the PUCO for taking this action, and look forward to continuing to work with them and affected small businesses to come up with a set of regulations that keep our roads safe while ensuring our businesses and our families can prosper.”

 

Besides rescinding the rules, the PUCO will be compiling a report containing an analysis and recommendations for future rule amendments. Additional information can be found on their website, www.puco.ohio.gov. The agency will also include the Common Sense Initiative Office (CSIO) in the rule review process. CSIO was authorized by the General Assembly through Senate Bill 2 and established by Governor Kasich via executive order. It will help state agencies to determine any adverse impact a new rule or regulation could have on small businesses.