Powell Urges Passage of Health Order Oversight Bill

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) today is renewing calls to pass legislation that brings legislative oversight and transparency to health orders and mandates. 

House Bill 90 authorizes the General Assembly to rescind any order or rule issued by a statewide elected officer, state agency, or an administrative department or department head. 

“Passing common-sense oversight legislation should have been done long ago,” said Powell. “No branch of government should have unchecked power during a time of crisis.” 

In addition, H.B. 90 provides the legislature the ability to terminate or extend orders or rules in response to a public health emergency after 30 days. 

The Ohio Health Oversight and Advisory Committee is also created under the bill. The panel has the power to end certain orders and rules issued by the Governor, Ohio Department of Health, and other state agencies. 

“Ohioans will continue to suffer from the damage of the current mandates if we don’t take action today,” added Powell. 

The legislation is currently pending in the House State and Local Government Committee.