Bill to Codify Solicitor General's Office Heads to Governor

COLUMBUS – The Ohio General Assembly passed legislation, sponsored by State Representatives Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) and Jeff LaRe (R- Violet Twp.), which codifies the Office of the Solicitor General and the Tenth Amendment Center within the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

Bird and LaRe first introduced these provisions in House Bill 506, which was passed by the Ohio House of Representatives late last month. Today the legislation was amended into Senate Bill 288, which covers a variety of criminal justice reform issues.

The Solicitor General is a skilled attorney housed under the office of the Attorney General who is responsible for representing the state of Ohio and its agencies in appeals in federal and state courts.

Currently, the Solicitor General has no codification under the Ohio Revised Code. The bill, permanence to the Solicitor General's job and recognizes him/her for their continued hard work representing all Ohioans.

“The Solicitor General plays an important role in representing our state and ensuring the smooth operation of state government,” Bird said. “Codifying this position will emphasize its importance and bring recognition to the role.”

House Bill 506 also creates a Tenth Amendment Center within the office of the Attorney General. This center would be responsible for monitoring executive orders and federal regulations for abuse of power or government overreach. The center must have at least one attorney, and that individual would report their findings to the Solicitor General.

“As State Representatives, it is important that we protect the 10th Amendment,” Bird added. “This legislation will preserve the rights laid out for Ohio’s state government in the Constitution.”

S.B. 288 now heads to the Governor to be signed.