Ohio General Assembly Overrides Veto of Senate Bill 22

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and the Ohio General Assembly today voted to override Governor DeWine’s veto of Senate Bill 22, legislation that establishes legislative oversight over orders issued during a state of emergency. 

“No branch of government should have unlimited control over the livelihoods of Ohioans,” said Abrams. “Senate Bill 22 simply allows state legislators and the constituents they represent to be a part of the process.”

Provisions in the bill give the legislature the ability to oversee orders issued by any department under the administration in response to public health emergencies. Orders may be extended or rescinded by the General Assembly.

The bill also ensures that local communities may determine the course of local health orders. As a result, the bill provides parameters for local boards of health in which they must operate when issuing county and district wide orders.

A veto override requires a three-fifths vote from the House and Senate. The Senate voted 23-10, and the House voted 62-35 to override.