Powell Announces Legislation Protecting Elections, Places of Worship Signed into Law

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) announced that legislation protecting in-person voting and places of worship was signed into law this week.

“Protecting in-person voting and keeping our churches open is a top priority for me,” said Powell. “I’m thrilled this legislation will now become law.”

House Bill 272 prohibits public officials and government bureaucrats from ordering the closure of all places of worship. The bill also ensures that no public official can change the time, place or manner of conducting an election, ensuring that an incident like the March 2020 primary will not happen again.

“This is another big win for Ohioans,” added Powell. “There is still more work to be done, but this law is a step in the right direction of restoring the balance of power in Ohio.”

H.B. 272 was originally introduced to extend Ohio’s court jurisdiction to allow Ohioans to hold out-of-state individuals or companies accountable for the damage of harm they cause to Ohioans. The bill was amended on the Senate floor to include the elections and places of worship provisions.

Powell voted in favor of the legislation earlier this month.