Republican News

State Reps. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) and Christie Kuhns (D-Cincinnati) this week introduced a justice reform measure to ensure fair, independent investigations when a law enforcement officer uses deadly force. The legislative proposal follows the Cuyahoga County prosecutor’s grand jury investigation into the police-led deadly shooting of 12-year old Tamir Rice last November. The grand jury ultimately declined to bring charges against the officers involved.

“Communities must be able to believe that when an officer takes the life of a civilian, an independent and fair investigation will provide answers and facts that can be trusted,” said Boyd. “This bill will help restore faith in the justice system by cutting down on questions of bias or partiality during these types of investigations.”

The new legislation would require that at least two outside law enforcement officials conduct investigations into an officer’s use of deadly force. The outside investigators would be required to come from jurisdictions separate than that of the officer under investigation.

Upon completion of an investigation, a report will be submitted to the local prosecutor. If it is determined that no crime was committed, the report must be made available to the public.

“The introduction of our bill is a necessary action in creating greater public trust in our criminal justice system,” said Kuhns. “We need to maintain a system where fairness and justice are the top priorities.”

Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President and State Rep. Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) responded today to the news that a Cleveland grand jury has decided to not bring charges against police officers involved in the shooting death of 12-year old Tamir Rice that occurred last November. 

“Today’s decision is disappointing and disheartening for all those left searching for meaning and answers in the wake of such an unthinkable tragedy that claimed the life of an innocent young boy, Tamir Rice. The year-long grand jury process that brought us today’s decision underscores our state’s immediate need for action on social and criminal justice reforms, especially as they relate to making the grand jury process more transparent,” said Reece. “The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus will continue to push for this and other commonsense criminal justice reforms that provide solutions to help restore faith in the criminal justice system and trust between law enforcement and the public. My heart and prayers go out to Tamir Rice’s family and friends.”

State Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) released the following statement on the conclusion of Attorney General DeWine’s misguided investigation of Planned Parenthood:

"It's no surprise that Attorney General DeWine has announced the end of his failed investigation on a Friday afternoon. This harassment of Planned Parenthood and its patients is inexcusable. The attempt to paint the women's healthcare provider as a lawbreaker is sad and deeply troubling. Governor Kasich's equally weak call for his Health Department to take legal action is dangerous, and puts women in harm's way. I stand with Planned Parenthood because it is a trusted and valuable resource for women and men in Ohio." 

State Reps. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown) and Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) held a news conference today to announce House Bill 408 (HB 408), legislation that would create a buffer zone for patients and medical staff at reproductive healthcare providers. The bill would also provide victims of non-physical harassment the ability to pursue legal action. 

State Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) and State Rep. and President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) responded today to Secretary of State Jon Husted’s announcement that his office is looking into the nearly 900 absentee ballots in Summit County that went uncounted this past election due to lack of postmarks. The Democratic lawmakers had previously called on the secretary of state to launch an investigation into the troubling postmark discrepancies that voided hundreds of votes. 

State Representative Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown) is calling on Ohioans to support a straightforward measure that strengthens election integrity: putting our existing photo ID requirement to vote into the Ohio Constitution so it can’t easily be weakened later. 

State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) joined fellow legislators on Wednesday for the opening day of the Ohio State Fair and the inaugural Buckeye Baa-ttle, an event showcasing the skills and dedication of Ohio’s talented 4-H and FFA sheep exhibitors in the show ring.

COLUMBUS – State Representative Marilyn John (R-Richland County) is pleased to announce that she was recently appointed to serve on the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) Executive Committee. 

State Representative Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk) is encouraging Ohio families to continue purchasing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, noting that Ohio-grown produce has not been identified as the source of the recent Cyclospora outbreak under investigation by federal health officials. Current investigations have focused on specific products and supply chains, including imported iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, not produce grown by Ohio farmers.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-9-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026

State Representative Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) celebrates the announcement that the CareSource Invitational, a college basketball tournament, is coming to Mason, bringing a new college basketball event to the Cincinnati Open campus.

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) earned grand champion honors Wednesday evening in the inaugural Buckeye Baa-ttle sheep showmanship competition at the Ohio State Fair.

State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) recently introduced House Bill 979, which works to establish or clarify rules governing broadband providers’ use of public spaces in communities, ultimately protecting Ohioans.

State Representatives Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester) and Michelle Teska (R-Clearcreek Township) today introduced House Bill 983, the Data Center Accountability and Citizen Protection Act, legislation that gives Ohio citizens the final say before massive data center projects are built in their communities while protecting taxpayers, ratepayers, private property owners, and Ohio's natural resources.

State Representative Angie King (R-Celina) today introduced new legislation – the Ohio Business Investment Act – which works to prohibit companies owned or controlled by a Foreign Country of Concern from receiving state tax credits, grants, loans, economic development incentives, or other forms of state financial assistance.

COLUMBUS—State Representative Jodi Salvo (R-Bolivar) was recently selected to take part in a one-of-a-kind, bipartisan leadership program through the Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Legislative Conference.