Householder Introduces Bill to Bring Accountability to County Health Boards

COLUMBUS – State Representative Larry Householder (R-Glenford) today introduced legislation that would hold county boards of health accountable by allowing a board of county commissioners to terminate or modify any countywide order issued by a county board of health.

Under this proposed legislation, the termination or modification to an issue would be permissible through a simple resolution created by a board of county commissioners.

“Unelected boards need to be held accountable by elected officials, such as our county commissioners who are chosen by the people they serve, to make decisions,” said Householder. “This bill adds a well-deserved balance between the people and the unelected board, something our state so desperately needs during these times we’ve been facing.”

The legislation notes that the order or regulation issued by a county board of health must apply throughout the general health district in order for a board of county commissioners to terminate or modify the order.

The legislation now awaits a bill number and referral to a House standing committee.