A Legislative Update, October 7, 2019
The House was successful in passing several pieces of legislation last week to create the Ohio Cyber Reserve, maintain government transparency, and protect students.
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.
Creating the Ohio Cyber Reserve: Senate Bill 52 establishes the Ohio Cyber Reserve, which will be capable of deterring, mitigating and remedying cyberattacks on our local governments, businesses, critical infrastructure and citizens. The legislation will help county boards of elections to be better prepared for cyberattacks, and mandates post-election audits to ensure that every vote is being properly counted. With our increased reliance on technology, it’s important to have safeguards in place like those established in Senate Bill 52.
Establishing the Ohio State Government Expenditure Database: House Bill 46 creates the State Government Expenditure Database. Taxpayers deserve to know how the state is spending their hard earned money. Currently, the Ohio Treasurer’s office maintains www.OhioCheckbook.com, which is an easily accessible and searchable database. House Bill 46 simply requires all future treasurers to maintain a similar database. I co-sponsored this bill.
Safety and Violence Education for Students Act: House Bill 123, the SAVE Students Act, aims to reduce social isolation and gives schools and students the tools and resources they need in threat assessment training and suicide awareness and prevention training. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth and young adults, and this bill will help schools develop suicide awareness and prevention training, safety training, and violence prevention training to address this devastating issue. I proudly co-sponsored this legislation.
Waiving Fees for Indigent Petitioning for Limited Driving Privileges: House Bill 158 allows courts to grant limited driving privileges to a first-time offender whose license is suspended as a result of failure to maintain proof of financial responsibility. This bill also waives the filing fee to petition for these driving privileges if the person applied to be qualified as an indigent litigant. This legislation will help relieve some financial burden for low-income drivers who are trying to provide for themselves and their families.
Revising Alcoholic Ice Cream Laws: House Bill 160 allows an alcoholic ice cream manufacturer the right to ship their products to personal consumers through a permitted shipper. This product is only able to be sold to personal consumers if certain conditions are met, including verification that the consumer is at least 21 years old.
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.