Legislative Update
The Ohio Statehouse saw a whirlwind of activity the past two weeks as legislators held the final hearings and sessions of the 135th General Assembly. Below are updates on bills supported by the Catholic Conference of Ohio (CCO) that Governor DeWine will likely sign into law. All legislation that did not pass both the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives must be reintroduced in the 136th General Assembly and go through the legislative process.
Ohio Senate Passed HB 7 (White, Humphrey) to support Early Childhood and Maternal Health
CCO supported House Bill 7, sponsored by Representatives Andrea White (R–Kettering) and Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus), which passed the Ohio Senate on December 18, 2024. After several amendments, the bill reforms early childhood and maternal health programs by clarifying and streamlining various processes. Senate members expressed their support during the committee process for appropriating funds in the upcoming State budget for the programs that HB 7 originally aimed to expand. The Ohio House concurred with the Senate changes, so the bill now goes to the desk of Governor DeWine.
Ohio House Passed SB 54, including support for St. Vincent de Paul
The Ohio House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 54, which was amended to modify certain capital appropriations and reappropriations. The final version of the bill includes $750,000 for St. Vincent de Paul Social Services Emergency Shelter for Men. Special thanks to Senator Stephen A. Huffman (R-Tipp City) and House Representative Andrea White (R-Kettering) for supporting the funding and addressing the need for these essential services. SB 54 now goes to the desk of Governor DeWine.
Ohio House Passed SB 198 (Lang, Manning) on Documents for Inmates
CCO supported Senate Bill 198, sponsored by Senators George Lang (R-West Chester) and Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville), unanimously passed the Ohio House of Representatives on December 11, 2024. The bill would provide inmates with state identification cards and documentation upon their release relating to work experience, education, and trade skills. SB 198 previously passed the Ohio Senate with a unanimous vote of 31-0 in June 2024, and now goes to the desk of Governor DeWine. The CCO believes the bill will help recently incarcerated inmates to readjust to their communities and contribute to the common good.
Ohio Senate Passed HB 106 (Jarrells, Lipps) to enact the Pay Stub Protection Act
The Ohio Senate passed House Bill 106, sponsored by Representatives Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) and Scott Lipps (R-Franklin), requiring employers to provide employees with earnings and deduction statements. The CCO was one of only two organizations that testified in support of the bill and helped get it passed. HB 106 previously passed the Ohio House with a unanimous vote of 96-0 in June 2023 and now goes to the desk of Governor DeWine.
CCO Testified in Support of SB 311 (O'Brien) on EdChoice and Special Needs Scholarships
The Catholic Conference of Ohio testified in support of Senate Bill 311, sponsored by Senator Sandra O’Brien (R-Ashtabula), which would permit students to concurrently receive an Educational Choice scholarship or Cleveland scholarship and either an Autism or Jon Peterson Special Needs scholarship. SB 311 would ensure families of children with special needs are also afforded the opportunity for an EdChoice scholarship to help pay for tuition at the school that best fits their child’s needs. Although the bill did not pass the General Assembly, the CCO will advocate for its provisions during the State operating budget deliberations in early 2025.
