McClain, Ohio House create legislative oversight and transparency with veto override

UPPER SANDUSKY – State Rep. Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) voted to override the governor’s veto on Senate Bill 22, which establishes legislative oversight and transparency over orders issued during a state of emergency. Both chambers approved the veto override and the bill will become law.

“After over a year of being repeatedly mandated by our government, this critical legislation gives Ohioans a voice again,” said McClain. “I am proud to have supported the veto override today as it will help restore the Legislature’s checks and balances on the Executive branch when making important decisions on future health orders.”

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 Orders may be extended or rescinded by the General Assembly through a concurrent resolution.

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.

Both the Ohio House and Senate approved Senate Bill 22 on March 10, 2021. After the governor’s veto earlier this week, the two chambers acted to override the veto.

The legislation will become effective in 90 days.