A Legislative Update, A Guest Column by Representative Scott Oelslager - Jan. 9, 2020
The House was successful in passing several pieces of legislation before the end of the year including bills to support Ohio’s small businesses and promote transparency.
My colleagues in the Ohio House and I work hard to improve the lives of the Ohioans we represent, and I appreciate the opportunity to update you on these and other issues before us in the legislature.
Prohibiting Overtime Work for Nurses as a Condition of Employment: House Bill 144 prohibits a hospital from requiring a nurse to work beyond the nurse’s shift as a condition of continued employment. This piece of legislation does exempt certain circumstances, such as ongoing medical treatments or surgical procedures.
Authorizing the Use of Auxiliary Containers: House Bill 242 prohibits local governments from imposing a tax, fee or other charge on auxiliary containers (such as a plastic or paper bag). H.B. 242 authorizes a person to use an auxiliary container for purposes of commerce.
Release Claim Information to Group Health Plan Policyholders: Amended Senate Bill 9 requires a health plan issuer to release the following to a requesting group policyholder: net claims data paid or incurred by month, monthly enrollment data, monthly prescription claims information, and, for paid claims over 30,000 dollars, the amount paid toward each claim and claimant health condition. S.B. 9, as amended by the House, also defines a group policyholder and provides protections from civil liability to the health plan issuer in relation to the disclosure of the claims data. This measure will help small businesses and employers to make informed and financially responsible decisions.
Require resolution/notice if Government Contests Property Value: House Bill 75 requires a school board or the legislative authority of a county, municipal corporation, or township, before filing a property tax complaint or counter-complaint, to pass a resolution approving the complaint or a counter-complaint at a public meeting. This will ensure that the Board of Revision process is fair, transparent, and accountable to Ohioans.
In everything I do, whether it is in Columbus or back in my home district of Stark County, I will continue to make your priorities my priorities. With that goal in mind, I welcome your feedback and opinions at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact me by calling (614) 752-2438, emailing Rep48@OhioHouse.gov, or by writing me at 77 South High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215.