Bipartisan Bill to Create ACEs Study Commission Receives Sponsor Testimony

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) and Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton) this week gave sponsor testimony before the Ohio House Behavioral Health Committee on House Bill (HB) 352. The bipartisan legislation creates a Study Commission for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).  

“It is time that we recognize the role that ACEs play in our state and work to develop strong policies to combat them,” said Rep. Baker. “This study commission will compile experts and individuals with lived experiences to discuss and recommend legislative strategies for addressing the prevalence and long-term effects of ACEs.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years), including:

• experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect
• witnessing violence in the home or community
• having a family member attempt or die by suicide 

HB 352 now awaits further hearings in the House Behavioral Health Committee.

A picture of Rep. Baker giving sponsor testimony.