OHIO GENERAL ASSEMBLY ESTABLISHES LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jon Cross (R-Kenton) today announced the Ohio General Assembly has approved Senate Bill 22, legislation to establish legislative oversight over orders issued during a state of emergency.

“This bill ensures Ohioans’ voices are heard by restoring common-sense checks and balances,” said Cross. “Giving the legislature a seat at the table during the decision making process provides greater transparency and accountability to our government.”

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 Orders may be extended or rescinded by the General Assembly.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.

The measure passed the House by a vote of 57-37 and received final approval from the Senate during the session.