An overview of bills introduced in the 131st General Assembly
In an effort to keep you more connected to your government and whats happening at your Statehouse, I have compiled a list of bills recently introduced in the Ohio General Assembly. As always, dont hesitate to contact me with ideas for legislation or ways of bettering our community. I value and respect your input. Reps. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) & Niraj Antani (R-Miami Township) HB 289 To abolish the death penalty replacing it with life without parole. Reps. Greta Johnson (D-Akron) & Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) HB 272 To exempt from sales and use tax the sale of tampons and other feminine hygiene products associated with menstruation. Reps. Denise Driehaus (D-Cincinnati) & Robert Sprague (R-Findlay) HB 249 To provide an immunity from arrest for a minor drug possession offense for a person who seeks medical assistance for self or another person in the event of a medical emergency due to drug indigestion. Reps. Denise Driehaus (D-Columbus) & Debbie Phillips (D-Albany) HB 247 To prohibit certain health care professionals from engaging in sexual orientation change efforts when treating minor patients. Reps. Greta Johnson (D-Akron) & Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) HB 234 To eliminate the statute of limitations on all rape cases and remove marital rape exceptions from Ohio law. Rep. Nick Celebrezze (D-Parma) HB 177 To create an animal abuse registry and prohibit animal shelters from allowing violators in the registry to adopt a companion animal. Reps. David Hall (R-Millersburg) & Sarah LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Township) HB 135 To prohibit the performance of an abortion on a pregnant woman when the abortion is sought because of a test result indicating Down Syndrome in an unborn child.
Engaging your legislature and the committee process
The formal votes during House sessions may give the impression that every vote has been decided in advance. This is indeed the case because in-depth examination of legislation takes place in committee hearings. Following a bill's introduction, it is assigned to one of the Houses 17 standing committees. During committee meetings, bills are debated and amended and members of the general public are given the opportunity to contribute testimonies. Witnesses are not under oath, as in a courtroom, but they must register with the committee chairperson at the beginning of the hearing. State Representatives want to hear the views of Ohioans as they consider legislation. Weekly committee schedules are posted on the web at http:// www.ohiohouse.gov/committee/standing-committees and in the House Clerk's office.
The House Speaker determines the membership and
number of House standing committees. Appointments for committee chairs, vice chairs, and ranking minority members are made at the beginning of each new General Assembly, but changes and substitutions can always be made at the House Speakers discretion. You should know that, as an Ohioan, you have the right and opportunity to present testimony on a bill you favor or oppose. If you should decide to visit the Statehouse to offer your views on a particular bill, be sure to contact me so that I can assist in making your time here as enjoyable and productive as possible. For more information about legislation from the past or bills currently pending before the House, visit the Ohio General Assembly's website at www.legislature.state.oh.us/ or call the legislative toll -free hotline at 1-800-282-0253.