Ohio State Senator Rob McColley

New Ohio Senate Bill Would Provide Oversight of Governor and ODH During Public Health Emergencies

January 29, 2021January 29, 2021 Jack Windsor

State Senators Terry Johnson (R-District 14) and Rob McColley (R-District 1) introduced Senate Bill 22 Tuesday, a proposed law aimed at providing oversight to the emergency declarations made by the governor, as well as the governor’s and health orders that flow from the state of emergency.

SB22 gives the legislature the authority, by passing a joint resolution, to immediately rescind a public health state of emergency declaration, as well as related rules and orders.

Governor DeWine Signs Multiple Acts into Ohio Law

January 12, 2021January 11, 2021 Jack Windsor

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) endorsed 31 legislative acts last week which now become part of Ohio law. The list of the bills below comes directly from press releases issued by the Governor’s office.

Obhof Backs Down from Early Threat to Override Veto on SB311 but Bill May Not Be Dead

December 26, 2020December 26, 2020 Jack Windsor

It was Tuesday, December 22, the day many in favor of a veto override on Senate Bill 311 (SB311) believed to be the last day for the Ohio Senate to consider and vote on the bill that would restore power to the legislature and check the authority of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and its director to quarantine and isolate healthy people.

A group assembled atop the steps leading into the Senate Chamber. Senate President Larry Obhof (R-22) stepped into the space between doors just outside the entrance to the Senate Chamber and was peppered with shouts. “Get 311 on the floor!” “Hold the override vote Obhof!”

The Senate President looked at the citizens and repeated the talking point Ohioans had heard from the Senate for over a week – “the House doesn’t have the votes.”

As Gov. DeWine Vows to Veto Ohio Bill to Limit Director of Health’s Authority, Lawmakers Eye Override

November 24, 2020November 24, 2020 Jack Windsor

Senate Bill 311 (SB311), a bill to limit the Director of Health order-issuing authority, will be vetoed by Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine. The Governor has 10 days with which to exercise that right – speculation is he will take all 10.

However, SB311 is not dead.

Bill Outlaws Locking Down Healthy, Has Veto-Proof Majority to Override DeWine Veto

November 22, 2020November 21, 2020 Jack Windsor

The Ohio House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that originated in the Ohio Senate – Senate Bill 311 (SB311) – by a vote of 58 – “yea,” 30 – “nay,” with 11 representatives not voting.

SB311 limits the Ohio Department of Health Director’s order-issuing authority and was sent to Governor DeWine’s desk – he has already vowed to veto the bill.