Richardson Supports House Passage of Legislative Oversight on Health Orders

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) today announced House passage of Senate Bill 311, legislation that provides legislative oversight on the Ohio Department of Health’s (ODH) ability to issue mandatory orders during a public health crisis.

Senate Bill 311 allows ODH to only issue quarantine and isolation orders to Ohioans who are sick or who have been directly exposed to the disease.

“The bill is not intended to undermine the serious health challenges presented by COVID-19. Rather, it provides common-sense limitations on government health orders and allows the legislative branch of government to have a voice in the decision making process.” said Richardson. “It strikes the proper balance on protecting public health while restoring checks and balances to executive mandates.”

The legislation also provides additional legislative oversight of certain ODH orders by giving the General Assembly the ability to rescind the orders through the adoption of a concurrent resolution.

The bill now heads to Governor DeWine for consideration.