Guest Column: A Legislative Update by Representative Scott Oelslager

The House was successful in passing several pieces of legislation recently including measures that support raising awareness for organ donation and requiring public children services agencies to report child abuse or neglect in military families to the appropriate military authorities.

My colleagues in the Ohio House and I work diligently to help the lives of  Ohioans and I appreciate the opportunity to update you on these and other issues before us in the Legislature.

Raising Awareness for Organ Donation: House Bill 21 takes action to raise awareness for organ donation, an act that can help save many lives. First, it directs the BMV to increase the number of times the deputy registrar asks an individual if they would like to become an organ donor.

Additionally, the bill increases the amount a person is asked to voluntarily donate from $1 to $2 when they are applying for or renewing their driver’s license. Lastly, the legislation increases the annual contribution for the “Donate Life” license plate from $5 to $15.

The voluntary donations mentioned above benefit the Second Chance Trust Fund, the fund was established in 1997 and supports various projects through Ohio that raises awareness for the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. 

House Bill 21 passed unanimously in the Ohio House and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

Protecting Military Children: House Bill 92 takes steps to ensure the safety and protection of our military children across Ohio. Specifically, the legislation requires public children services agencies to report child abuse or neglect in military families to the appropriate military authorities.

Under current law, military services are required to establish Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with state and local child welfare services to collaborate on the oversight of cases involving military families. However, county welfare agencies may not have the authority or direction to collect this information or share it with the appropriate Department of Defense authorities. House Bill 92 changes this part of the law to require child welfare caseworkers to ask clients if they are associated with the military and establishes authority for caseworkers to share information with the appropriate military authorities. 

These provisions seek to provide a more uniform law and allow for better coordination of local child welfare and military protective and rehabilitative services.

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.