A Legislative Update, June 25, 2019
The House was successful in passing several pieces of legislation last week to support public defenders through loan repayment assistance, expand access to drug addiction treatment in lieu of conviction, improve prenatal care, and protect and restore Ohio’s lakes and rivers.
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.
Sealing Records and Intervention in Lieu of Conviction: Ohio’s criminal justice system is in need of reforms to properly address the epidemic of drug addiction. House Bill 1 expands access to treatment in lieu of conviction and increases the number of sealed nonviolent offenses to help nonviolent drug offenders seek better employment. Serving a jail sentence will not help the addicted seek treatment or help them find meaningful employment.I co-sponsored this bill to help those afflicted with drug addiction seek treatment and seal convictions due to their drug addiction to help them become productive members of society once again.
Military License Reciprocity: House Bill 133 requires state occupational licensing agencies to issue temporary licenses for active duty military members and their spouses for a timeframe of up to six years. In order to receive a temporary license or certificate, you must hold that certificate or license in the state from which you are moving, and you must prove that you or your spouse is a member of the uniformed service on active duty in Ohio. I co-sponsored House Bill 133 to make it easier for our service members and their families to move to and work in Ohio.
Custom License Plates for Charitable Organizations: House Bill 262 creates a number of custom license plates to support charitable organizations. Organizations include Ohio DeMolay, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, ALS Awareness, Folds, of Honor, La Salle High School, Harrison Central Huskies, Zero: The End of Prostate Cancer, and Liberty Central Local Schools.
Supporting the Public Defender: House Bill 5 establishes the Public Defender State Loan Repayment Program administered by the State Public Defender. Under this program, those who choose to sign up as public defenders in identified shortage areas will be eligible for loan repayment assistance. These Ohioans would serve at least 3 years. I co-sponsored House Bill 5 because every Ohioan is guaranteed the right to an attorney, and public defenders serve those who cannot afford private counsel.
Improving Prenatal Care: House Bill 11 aims to reduce the rate of infant mortality in Ohio. There are four components to House Bill 11: it requires Medicaid health plans cover all FDA approved tobacco cessation medications and therapies, increases dental care for pregnant mothers under Medicaid, increases education about lead, and establishes a grant program for providers to establish group prenatal care programs. I co-sponsored House Bill 11, which passed unanimously.
Protecting and Restoring Ohio’s Lakes and Rivers: House Bill 7 creates the H2Ohio trust fund and establishes a state trust to fund the preservation and restoration of Ohio’s lakes and rivers. This legislation will create a secure and sustainable funding stream for the long-term protection of water quality.
Streamlining the Process to Obtain a Boat Title: House Bill 211 simplifies the pathway for marina owners to remove boats abandoned in a marina. This legislation would allow a marina owner to claim the title of a boat if the watercraft has been left unclaimed for longer than 20 days and the owner does not have valid storage or repair contracts; the marina owner sends notice to the last known owner; the certified mail is returned with either a signature or notice that delivery was not possible; the vessel remains unclaimed for more than 10 days after the written notice; and the marina owner executes an affidavit confirming all preceding requirements are fulfilled. House Bill 211 passed unanimously.
Designating Highways and Bridges: House Bill 276 designates 21 memorial highways and bridges in Ohio. These highways and bridges honor various individuals and organizations that have left lasting legacies in Ohio, including police officers, service members, public employees, and businesses. Passing unanimously, House Bill 276 allows us to recognize our fellow Ohioans, many of whom gave their lives and all of whom have made a positive impact on their local community and the state as a whole.
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.