The Ohio Statehouse is making moves on several pieces of legislation that will affect everything from school funding to abortion access. Keep tabs on your state government and read on to learn more:
SB 4 — Make capital appropriations for school facilities assistance
Due to the number of districts that have passed local bond levies and are waiting to receive state funds for Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) projects, the current funds are inadequate, causing significant delays, according to the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO).
As passed by the Senate, this bill would add $100 million to the appropriation for school facilities over the next two years.
The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Michael Rulli (R-Salem) and Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard).
SB 5 — Change penalties for promoting prostitution
This bill aims to increase the penalties of promoting prostitution. Up from fourth-degree felonies the following offenders can now receive third-degree felonies: those already convicted or who’ve previously plead guilty to promoting prostitution; those who are found guilty of drug trafficking in addition to promoting prostitution; and those who supervise, manage or control a minor, regardless of the offender’s knowledge of the minor’s age.
Those who’ve had two or more prior convictions now face a second-degree felony, up from a third-degree felony.
The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) and Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls). It’s been passed by the Senate and awaits passage by the House.
SB 10 — Expand penalty for theft in office/restitution for audit costs
Sponsored by Sen. Steve Wilson (R-Maineville), SB 10 would stiffen the penalties for committing theft while holding public office. Those found guilty of theft while holding public office face, at a minimum, a fifth degree felony, with penalties increasing based on the value of the property or services stolen.
If the property or services stolen is valued between $1,000 and $7,500, theft in office is a fourth degree felony; between $7,500 and $150,000, it’s a third degree felony; between $150,000 and $750,000, it’s a second degree felony; anything more than $750,000 results in a first degree felony.
SB 10 has passed the Senate.
SB 23 — Prohibit abortion if detectable heartbeat
The bill prohibits abortion at the detection of a fetal heartbeat, with no exceptions for rape or incest. The bill, introduced by Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), has been passed by the Senate and awaits passage by the House.
SB 27 — Regards disposition of fetal remains from surgical abortion
This bill establishes new standards for the disposal of fetal tissue following an abortion. Patients have the option of cremation or burial; donation to science is not an option. The bill was introduced by Sen. Joe Uecker (R-Miami Township). It’s been passed by the Senate.
SB 30 — Create the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission
In recognition of the 19th Amendment, this bill would establish the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission. In addition to overseeing events related to the amendment’s 100-year anniversary, the Commission will also partner with the Ohio History Connection to promote local and statewide events as well as information on the 72-year struggle for women’s suffrage.
This bipartisan bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) and Sandra R. Williams (D-Cleveland). It has passed the Senate and been introduced to the House.