Final Session before Easter, Ohio House Approves 13 Bills

COLUMBUS — Last week, the Ohio House of Representatives met for a final voting session before breaking for the Easter holiday. The body passed an impressive 13 bills, touching on many different areas of public policy. State Representative Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton) highlighted the following: 

• House Bill 476, establishes a Parkinson's disease registry and changes the observance of "Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month" from September to April.
• House Bill 504, increases the penalty for "disturbing a lawful meeting" when committed with the intent to disturb or disquiet an assemblage for religious worship or to prevent, disrupt, or interfere with a virtual meeting or gathering for religious worship.
• House Bill 507, revises the number of poultry chicks that may be sold in lots.
• House Bill 558, modifies the laws governing the drug repository program for donated prescription drugs and makes temporary changes regarding certificates of need.
• Senate Bill 15, changes the circumstances in which certain fiscal officers may be held liable for a loss of public funds.
• Senate Bill 25, enhances penalties for certain drug trafficking offenses committed in the vicinity of a substance addiction services provider or a recovering addict, designates April as “Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness Month,” and names the act’s provisions the Relapse Reduction Act.

“April has been an incredibly productive month for the Ohio House,” said Oelslager. “It’s been thrilling to roll up our sleeves to get these things done for the people of Ohio.” 

The House bills approved by State Representatives are all headed to the Ohio Senate for further consideration. Senate Bill 15 and Senate Bill 25 head to the desk of Governor Mike DeWine for signing.