Powell Sees Progress on Multiple Bills

COLUMBUS – On Tuesday, March 1, House Bill 181 received its third hearing in the House Commerce and Labor Committee. The legislation requires licensing boards to recognize applicants who complete registered apprenticeships.

“This reform enables Ohioans to earn a paycheck and learn hands-on with a business while they work towards obtaining their licensure,” said bill sponsor, State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum). “Removing barriers to enter the workforce is a win-win for Ohio businesses and their potential employees.”

Businesses can file either with the State of Ohio or United States Department of Labor to become an approved apprenticeship program.

Also sponsored by Powell, House Bill 64 creates the crime of fraudulent assisted reproduction, making it a third degree felony for a licensed health care professional to purposely or knowingly use human reproductive material from a donor without the patient’s consent. The legislation had its third hearing on Thursday, March 3. 

During the hearing, no testimony was presented in opposition to the bill. To improve further upon the legislation, the House Criminal Justice Committee adopted an amendment to adjust the statute of limitations. 

“Too many Ohio families have been affected by fertility doctors violating patients’ trust and using their own sperm instead of that of the chosen donor,” said Powell. “Both these pieces of legislation are crucial for our Ohio families and our workers, and I’m very pleased to see movement on both of these bills.”  

H.B. 181 and H.B. 64 now await additional hearings in their respective House committees.