Bill to Codify Solicitor General's Office Passes Ohio House

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives today passed legislation to codify the Office of the Solicitor General and the Tenth Amendment Center within the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

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, sponsored by Representatives Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) and Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.), not only provides permanence to the Solicitor General's job, but also recognizes him/her for their continued hard work representing all Ohioans.

“It is time that we permanently recognize the Office of the Solicitor General for their hard work and dedication representing our great state,” Bird said. “The Solicitor General is an integral part in the function of our state government and its smooth operation.”

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.

“Federalism is a foundational piece of our U.S. Constitution. That is why, as a member of state government, I must do what I can to protect the rights that were reserved for us in the 10th Amendment,” LaRe added. “This is why H.B. 506 is such an important bill as it codifies the 10th Amendment Center and the Office of the Solicitor General in the Attorney General’s office to monitor for federal overreach, which has become a laborious job in and of itself. I am hopeful for its passage in the Senate and look forward to it being signed into law in the near future.”

H.B. 506 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.