Guest Column: A Legislative Update from Representative Scott Oelslager - Aug. 13, 2020
The House was successful in passing several pieces of legislation recently including measures to improve the unemployment compensation system in Ohio and expand residential broadband services throughout the state.
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.
Animal Abuse Reporting Requirements: House Bill 33 establishes cross-reporting for animal abuse in the State of Ohio. Many violent offenders have links to animal abuse as well. House Bill 33 would mandate that veterinarians, social workers, and social service professionals report suspected animal abuse to law enforcement or their county humane society. It also would require law enforcement to report suspected animal abuse to children’s or adult protective services when a child or elder is living in the home where the abuse is taking place. These provisions will allow local officials to better identify homes with family violence and will provide law enforcement and social service professionals the ability to intervene.
The Unclaimed Funds Reform Act: The Unclaimed Funds Reform Act makes substantial changes to how the unclaimed funds system in Ohio operates. House Bill 270 creates a simple process to claim descendant’s unclaimed funds; it declares state tax refunds unclaimed funds; and creates an online platform to report and redeem unclaimed funds. Additionally, House Bill 270 makes multiple changes to modernize the statute to streamline administration. House Bill 270 passed out of the House unanimously.
Improving the Unemployment Compensation System: The impact of COVID-19 has been widespread and dramatic. Over one million Ohioans have filed for unemployment since the beginning of the pandemic – more than in the last three years combined. House Bill 614 has four main provisions. First, the Modernization and Improvement Council would be created to meet bimonthly to evaluate the claim filing process and technological infrastructure. The bill would require the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director to create a written strategic staffing plan for employees who handle inquiries and a referral system for members of the General Assembly to report issues directly to ODJFS representatives. Additionally, ODJFS would be required to have a complaint form to streamline the complaint process for constituents. Finally, the bill would require the Auditor of State to make recommendations on the efficiency of the claims process by examining specific metrics and reporting to the Modernization and Improvement Council. House Bill 614 passed unanimously.
Residential Broadband Expansion Program: Nearly one million Ohioans lack a reliable internet connection and about 300,000 households have no broadband options whatsoever. House Bill 13 would create the Residential Broadband Expansion Program to provide grants to offset construction cost hurdles and help facilitate the expansion of high-speed internet and all broadband services to unserved households across Ohio. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how important it is for Ohioans to have access to reliable high-speed internet.
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.