COLUMBUS—State Representative Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon) announced today the House passage of House Bill 295, legislation that cleans up outdated and conflicting state vehicle code definitions to make it clear that Low-Speed Electric Scooters are permitted on the road. HB 295 gives riders of Low-Speed Electric Scooters similar rights and responsibilities as cyclists.

“With the ever changing modes of transportation it is important to keep the rules up to date with these changes.” Hoops said. “This legislation puts in place a minimum set of rules for any person using or operating a low-speed scooter. It also maintains control and authority at the local level, which is very important. I feel the communities know better than anyone else what is needed. This just gives them a blueprint to work from.”

HB 295 allows Low-Speed Electric Scooters to be ridden on roadways and bicycle lanes and paths where bicycles may be ridden. It requires the scooters to have appropriate lighting, sets a speed limit of 15 mph, sets the operation age of these scooters to 16 years of age, and sets the criminal code violations akin to e-bicycles. The operators of these scooters must also yield to pedestrians.

Additionally, the bill allows municipalities, counties, townships, metropolitan park districts, township park districts, and recreation districts to regulate or prohibit the use of Low-Speed Electric Scooters within their jurisdiction.

HB 295 passed the Ohio House and now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) issued the following statement today in response to news that backers of a referendum on House Bill 6 have failed to garner sufficient support to place the issue on the ballot:

“I am pleased that House Bill 6 will go into effect at midnight tonight and am confident it will produce positive results for Ohio.

First, HB 6 will save the operation of two Ohio nuclear power plants that produce 15 percent of Ohio’s power, employ thousands of Ohio workers and generate 90 percent of all carbon-free electricity generated in Ohio.

House Bill 6 will also benefit Ohio’s solar power industry. These solar projects that will be made possible by HB 6 will generate far more solar power than has been produced in all the years since the failed ‘RPS’ bill passed in 2008.

Ohio electric customers will save money because of HB 6, which will trigger a net reduction in charges on residential and business electric bills.

Despite the claims of a well-coordinated environmental lobby, the RPS approach – though well-intended – has not worked for Ohio as promised.  To a great extent, utilities have diverted money from Ohio customers to renewable projects in other states, and expensive renewable energy credits paid by our businesses have gone to wind producers in Texas instead of making Ohio investments. Ohio needs to develop a better approach to achieve results in our state with respect to renewable energy.

We should be focused on energy policy that works for Ohio and Ohioans. That’s what HB 6 begins to do. 

The Ohio House looks forward to working on future energy legislation which benefits our state and its people.”

COLUMBUS – Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) announced the following changes to House Standing and Special Committees:

House Standing Committees:

Aging and Long-Term Care:

Appoint: Representative D.J. Swearingen (R-Port Clinton) as Vice-Chair

Appoint: Representative Cindy Abrams (R- Harrison)

Remove: Representative Bill Reineke (R-Fremont)

Agriculture and Rural Development:

Appoint: Representative Brian Baldridge (R-Winchester)

Remove: Representative Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati)

Civil Justice:

Appoint: Representative Derek Merrin (R-Sylvania)

Remove: Representative Laura Lanese (R-Grove City)

Commerce and Labor:

Appoint: Representative Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison)

Remove: Representative Anthony DeVitis (R-Green)

Economic and Workforce Development:

Appoint: Representative Jason C. Stephens (R- Kitts Hill)

Remove: Representative Anthony DeVitis (R-Green)

Federalism:

Appoint: Representative Craig Riedel (R-Defiance)

Appoint: Representative Candice Keller (R-Middletown)

Remove: Representative Doug Green (R- Mt.Orab)

Finance:

Appoint: Representative Haraz Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) 

Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education

Appoint: Representative Haraz Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg)

Financial Institutions:

Appoint: Representative Derek Merrin (R-Sylvania)

Appoint: Representative Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati)

Health

Appoint: Representative Adam Holmes (R-Nashport)

Remove: Representative Mark Romanchuk (R-Mansfield)

Higher Education:

Appoint: Representative Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison)

Primary and Secondary Education:

Appoint: Representative Don Jones (R-Freeport) as Chair

Appoint: Representative Susan Manchester (R- Waynesfield) as Vice-Chair

Appoint: Representative Bill Roemer (R-Richfield)

Appoint: Representative Jason C. Stephens (R-Kitts Hill)

Public Utilities:

Appoint: Representative Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison)

State and Local Government

Appoint: Representative Jason C. Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) as Vice-Chair

Appoint: Representative D.J. Swearingen (R-Port Clinton)

Remove: Representative Timothy Ginter (R-Salem)

Ways and Means:

Appoint: Representative Jason C. Stephens (R-Kitts Hill)

Remove: Representative Bill Reineke (R-Fremont)

Remove: Representative Rick Carfagna (R-Westerville)

House Special Committees:

Ohio Cystic Fibrosis Legislative Task Force:

Appoint: Representative Scott Lipps (R-Franklin)

Appoint: Representative Timothy Ginter (R-Salem)

Appoint: Representative Randi Clites (D- Ravenna)

Appoint: Chad Hawley (Public Member)

Appoint: Christopher Gerdes (Public Member)

Appoint: Lauryn Tubesing (Public Member)

Study Committee on Dropout Prevention and Recovery Schools:

Appoint: Representative Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville)

Legislative Committee on Public Health Futures:

Appoint: Representative Scott Lipps (R-Franklin)

Appoint: Representative Beth Liston (D-Dublin)

Appoint: Amy Bush Stevens (Public Member)

Appoint: Veronica Sims (Public Member)

Commission on Infant Mortality:

Appoint: Erika Clark Jones (Public Member)

Report Card Study Committee

Appoint: Representative Lisa Sobecki (D-Toledo)

COLUMBUS – Jason C. Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) was sworn in today to represent the 93^rd District in the Ohio House of Representatives, Speaker Larry Householder announced today.

Stephens replaces Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell) in the 93^rd District, which includes Gallia and Jackson counties, most of Lawrence County and part of Vinton County. Smith resigned to become president of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College.

Joining Stephens for the swearing in were his grandmother, father, mother, mother-in-law, wife, and two of their three sons with his eldest son unable to attend.

“It was a very special moment having my family and friends there supporting me, and I look forward to serving the 93rd district,” said Rep. Stephens.

Stephens has an extensive background in local government, most recently serving as Lawrence County auditor. He previously served as Lawrence County commissioner. Stephens is a small business owner as well. He is currently is a licensed insurance agent and owner at Stephens & Son Insurance Agency, Inc.

“Representative Stephens is a hardworking public servant and small businessman,” said Speaker Householder. “He will serve the people of the 93^rd District well.”

Stephens received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics/Finance and Business Management from David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. He is an active member of the Rome Church of Christ in Proctorville. He has been married to his wife Juli for 25 years and they have three sons.

Stephens was sworn in today at the Ohio House session.

COLUMBUS – Cindy Abrams was sworn in today to represent the 29^th District in the Ohio House of Representatives, Speaker Larry Householder announced today.

Abrams replaces Louis W. Blessing III (R-Colerain Township), who has been sworn in to serve in the Ohio Senate.

Joining Abrams for the swearing in was her mother, her husband and their two sons and numerous close friends.

“Today was an exciting day for my constituent’s in House District 29 and for the state of Ohio,” said Rep. Abrams. “I’m humbled and honored to serve and I look forward to continuing to be a strong voice for my constituents here at the statehouse.”

Abrams has served as a City Councilwoman for the City of Harrison since 2016. She previously served as a Police Officer for the Cincinnati Police from 1996 to 2003.  With years of both public and private sector work experience, she is well-equipped to advocate for the people of Ohio’s 29th House District.

“I was pleased to swear in Representative Abrams today,” said Speaker Householder. “She will be a great advocate for the 29^th District.”

Abrams received her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and is a graduate of the Public Leadership Academy of The Ohio State University.

Abrams was sworn in today at the Ohio House session.

COLUMBUS – State lawmakers have given final approval to a plan creating the “Ohio Cyber Reserve” to help better protect Ohioans from cyberattacks, State Representative Mark Romanchuk announced today. 

The measure, Senate Bill 52, was unanimously approved by both the Ohio House and Ohio Senate.

Romanchuk (R-Ontario), who introduced the legislation in the 132^nd General Assembly and helped shepherd it through the Ohio House this year, applauded the measure’s passage.

“The safety and security of Ohioans needs to keep pace with the times,” Romanchuk said. “This legislation will not only protect our state from cyberattacks but help ensure the integrity of our elections.”

Senate Bill 52 allows the governor to organize and maintain the Ohio Cyber Reserve, which will be trained to educate and protect state and local governments, businesses and citizens from cyberattacks.

The measure also will help protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, including Ohio’s election systems. The bill makes Ohio’s secretary of state a member of the Department of Public Safety’s Homeland Security Advisory Council.

The bill now goes to Governor Mike DeWine for his signature.

COLUMBUS - Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) today announced that Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) has been selected by the House Majority Caucus to represent the 29^th House District, which covers part of southwestern Hamilton County.

Abrams will replace Louis W. Blessing III (R-Colerain Township), who has been recommended for appointment to a seat in the Ohio Senate. Abrams will be sworn in on Thursday, October 10^th and begin representing the 29^th District at that time.

“With her background in law enforcement, local government and community involvement, Cindy Abrams has an outstanding record of community leadership and I believe she will do an outstanding job of representing the 29th District in Columbus,” Householder said.

Abrams has served as a City Councilwoman for the City of Harrison since 2016. She previously served as a Police Officer for the Cincinnati Police from 1996 to 2003.  With years of both public and private sector work experience, she is well-equipped to advocate for the people of Ohio’s 29th House District.

“I’m humbled and honored to be chosen to represent the 29th District in the Ohio House,” Abrams said. “I am committed to making sure our community continues to have a strong voice at the Statehouse.”

Abrams received her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and is a graduate of the Public Leadership Academy of The Ohio State University.

COLUMBUS - Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) today announced that Jason C. Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) has been selected by the House Majority Caucus to represent the 93^rd House District, which includes Gallia and Jackson counties, most of Lawrence County and part of Vinton County.

Stephens will replace Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell), who resigned to become president of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College. Stephens will be sworn in on Thursday and begin representing the 93^rd District at that time.

“Jason Stephens has a strong record of community service both as a small businessman and in local office,” Householder said. “He has the experience to hit the ground running and represent his constituents in the Ohio House.”

Stephens has served as Lawrence County auditor since March 14, 2011. He had previously served as Lawrence County commissioner. He currently is a licensed insurance agent and owner at Stephens & Son Insurance Agency, Inc.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to be selected,” Stephens said. “I will work extremely hard to represent the good people of the 93^rd district. I look forward to serving and doing my best.”

Stephens received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics/Finance and Business Management from David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. He is an active member of the Rome Church of Christ in Proctorville. He has been married to his wife Juli for 25 years and they have three sons.

COLUMBUS – State Representative Tim Ginter (R-Salem) was appointed today by Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) to Chair the House Aging and Long-Term Care Committee. The committee will consider legislative issues that are pertinent to older adults.

“I am honored to be appointed chairman of the Aging and Long Term Care Committee by Speaker Householder and I look forward to working with the other members of this committee on the issues that impact our aging population,” said Rep. Ginter. “Today, our state has 2.5 million residents over the age of 60, and our 60-plus population is growing more than 20 times faster than our overall population. Our objective is to do our best to meet the current needs of this population and also prepare for the challenges we will face in the near future.”

Representative Ginter serves on Health and State and Local Government committees, as well as the Ohio Advisory Council on Aging, the Governor’s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives and the Ohio Child Support Guideline Advisory Council.

COLUMBUS – State Representative Derek Merrin (R- Monclova Township) has been named Chairman of the Ohio House Ways and Means Committee, the chief tax policy committee in the Ohio House.

The appointment was made today by Speaker Larry Householder.

“This is a tremendous honor and I appreciate Speaker Householder’s confidence in asking me to lead this important committee,” said Merrin (R-Monclova Township).

Merrin has a strong record working to protect tax dollars, improve transparency and lowering taxes. He was previously chairman of the House Health Committee.

“My philosophy is that it’s not the government’s money, it’s the taxpayers’ money,” Merrin said. “I’ve always taken seriously my role as a watchdog to protect tax dollars and look forward to continuing my efforts to make the tax code simpler to lower compliance costs for families, farmers and businesses in Northwest Ohio.”

Merrin is the author of the new law repealing the sales tax on prescription eyewear, which took effect on July 1. The plan will save taxpayers $30 million annually. He has also advanced several measures to support taxpayers and keep our economy strong, including advocating for cutting income tax rates 4 percent across the board in the state budget approved earlier this year.

He has an extensive background in government finance. Prior to joining the Ohio House, he served on city council and later as mayor in Waterville. He was also tapped by the state auditor’s office to conduct performance audits for financially strapped schools and cities throughout Ohio.

Merrin represents the 47^th District, which includes portions of Lucas and Fulton counties.