Legislative Update Janice Lanier JD RN Liaison Public Policy Committee
HB 96—Biennial Budget is front & center
The Ohio house has been holding subject matter hearings on the state’s budget in some of the house standing committees for the past several weeks. For example, the Medicaid committee and health committee heard from numerous witnesses addressing health-related matters, while the workforce development & education committee focused on K-12 education issues. Those hearings provided information about needs and shortfalls for a multitude of programs. The finance committee will now begin its hearings and deliberations. The committee chairs will be submitting their reports to the finance committee chair Rep. Brian Stewart, and he intends to meet one-on-one with all the house members to learn their budget priorities and concerns. The finance committee will then likely consider an omnibus amendment to make changes to the original bill before it goes to the full house for more discussion and changes. The goal remains to send the bill to the senate by April 9th. Legislators are planning a two-week spring break/Easter recess in mid-April.
Ohio Department of Medicaid
Because costs for the Medicaid program are shared by the federal and state governments, budget decisions are made more complicated than usual this year due to the uncertainty that exists at the federal level. What funding can states expect to see from Washington remains an open question. For example, potential changes to the federal share of the Medicaid expansion program would cost the state $396 million/year for every 5% reduction said Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran. (Source: Gongwer-Ohio (2/27/25) Medicaid oversight explores impact of federal changes. Gongwer News Service, Columbus). Also, according to Corcoran, the house and senate differ with respect to these predictions.
Historically, to encourage states to participate in the expansion of Medicaid eligibility and lower the number of uninsured individuals in the U.S., the federal government agreed to pay 100% of the costs incurred covering these individuals from 2014-2016 with that percentage gradually decreasing until it reached a capped low of 90% in 2020. (For others, the federal contribution is 65% of the costs). Currently, the federal government continues to pay the 90% cost for this group, but whether that will survive is unclear. Ohio, under Gov. John Kasich, decided to opt into the expansion initiative after a lot of political maneuvering. Those federal dollars are an important source of income for Ohio’s budget. The fate of these so-called Group VIII individuals is now the subject of considerable debate in D.C.
HB 96 currently includes a provision specifying that if the federal Medicaid match drops below 90% Ohio would discontinue all medical assistance coverage to individuals in the affected group. Director Corcoran is asking lawmakers to at least consider a gradual reduction rather than a total cessation of coverage eligibility.
Interestingly, elimination of Medicaid expansion (the Group VIII individuals) will have a ripple effect on those who provide home and community-based care. Many of these caregivers are on Medicaid because they cannot afford to purchase health coverage from the ACA Marketplace. Many are part of Group VIII. If the trigger remains in the budget and Medicaid expansion goes away, individuals caring for people with developmental disabilities or other people needing home care who rely on these caregivers will find themselves without the care they need because their caregivers have been forced to seek employment elsewhere. (Source: Gongwer-Ohio (3/4/25) House committee hearings-Medicaid committee. Gongwer News Service, Columbus.)
Several witnesses before the house health and Medicaid committees were advocating for an increase in Medicaid reimburse rates by 3.4% in FY 26 and 2.3% in FY 27 to support raises for these direct service personnel. The cost would increase $67.3 million in FY 26 and $184 million in FY 27. State general revenue fund (GRF dollars—tax dollars) allocated to the increase would be $24.2 million in FY 26 and $66.4 million in FY 27. (Source: Gongwer-Ohio (3/4/25) House committee hearings-Medicaid committee. Gongwer News Service, Columbus.)
The federal government and Ohio lawmakers are also considering changes to hospital taxes or franchise fees and a work requirement for Medicaid eligibility. Hospital franchise fees are considered part of the state share, allowing Ohio to draw down more federal dollars without investing more tax dollars. The fee has been used to help cover the cost of rate increases granted in the previous budget affecting direct service providers in the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) line item. The hourly wage increase has helped ease the shortage of these workers and some Ohio legislators expressed support for increasing the wages even more to preserve the gains that are making home care more accessible.
(Source: Gongwer-Ohio (2/27/25) Medicaid oversight explores impact of federal changes. Gongwer News Service, Columbus.)
Finally, HB 96 proposes to cut 340B pharmacy reimbursement to safety-net hospitals by $476 million over 2 years. These cuts will also have significant implications for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). Currently, FQHCs can purchase drugs on the 340B list at a discount and bill Medicaid at a higher rate. The proceeds are then used to pay for other services offered by these clinics. The budget proposal allows the state Medicaid program to benefit from the discount instead. A bipartisan amendment is being circulated that would eliminate proposed changes to the 340B program. (Source: Gongwer-Ohio (3/6/25) Lawmakers considering nixing budget’s drug pricing changes. Gongwer News Service, Columbus).
Ohio Department of Health requests
Two major budget requests from the Department of Health (ODH) ($1.02 billion in FY 26 and $1.03 billion in FY 27) would provide comprehensive eye exams and glasses for Ohio children. Parental consent would be required to get the examinations as needed, and it would also require working with the parent’s health insurer. Outside of Medicaid, many insurance plans do not adequately cover eyeglasses said ODH director Bruce Vanderhoff. No other states have a program like this he added.
Another proposed new program from ODH focuses on the creation of a new children’s dental program that would allow the deployment of mobile dental units in nine counties (Clinton, Crawford, Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Monroe, Noble, Paulding, and Washington). The program, as envisioned by ODH, would include fundamental care like cleaning and common dental maladies along with screenings.
The budget also includes a statewide ban on flavored e-liquid sales, advertising, and marketing to stem the use of these products among young people. The budget language would establish a vape and e-cigarette retailer registry used to identify who is illegally selling these products to minors. Although HB 96 would establish the registry, it does not include funding. (Source: Gongwer-Ohio (2/27/25) New programs, ban of flavored vape products part of health’s budget. Gongwer News Service. Columbus)
The marijuana saga continues
In November 2023, Ohio voters legalized adult recreational use of marijuana through a voter-initiated statute rather than relying on an amendment to the state’s constitution. While a legislative initiative is easier to get before the voters, it means legislators can cut, change, or otherwise modify what voters approved. To further complicate matters, the Ohio house and senate disagree about what changes are needed to the citizen-passed initiative. Two pending bills (SB 56) and (HB 160) cap the number of dispensaries in Ohio at 35, tighten the rules for packaging and marketing, and limit the potency of extracts from a maximum of 90% down to 70%. The bills differ in several respects, however. HB 160 keeps:
· The voter-approved plant limits at six per person and 12 per household
· Grow limits for Ohio largest cultivators at 100,000 sq. feet
· State sales tax at ten percent (10%) BUT it directs that the bulk of the state’s revenue go to Ohio’s general fund.
People are allowed to smoke anywhere on their residential property and share what they grow while friends visit. Finally, the house version deals with intoxicating hemp by requiring every THC product to be treated like marijuana and sold only at the state’s regulated dispensaries—not in local gas stations.
The senate bill takes a different approach. It would:
· Limit home growth from 12 plants down to six
· Mandate that marijuana can be used only at a private residence
· Combine the state’s medical and recreational marijuana programs under the Division of Cannabis Control
· Require marijuana be transported in the trunk of a car when traveling
· Limit the number of active dispensaries to 350
· Ban Ohioans from using marijuana that is not either from a licensed Ohio dispensary or cultivated in the consumer’s home.
The bill originally dealt with taxes and how funds would be distributed, but those provisions were removed by the senate general government committee hearing the bill. It passed the full senate on a party line vote 23-9 on February 26th.
(Source: Henry, M. (March 6, 2025) Ohio house republicans introduce their own proposal to rewrite state’’s recreational marijuana law. Ohio Capital Journal).
State establishes DOGE caucus in the Ohio House
A newcomer to the house, Rep.Tex Fisher (R-Boardman) initiated the formation of a new caucus designed to provide a means through which republican members of the house can come together to develop proposals that address tax issues, starting with property taxes.
Fisher is caucus chair and Rep. Ron Ferguson ( R-Wintersville) is the co-chair. Fisher reports the caucus now has 25 members including Reps. Adam Bird (R-Cincinnati), Nick Santucci (R-Howland Township), Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester), and Jean Schmidt (R- Loveland). Rep. Gross said the caucus is really looking at the next budget cycle to be able to eliminate certain taxes. Starting now, however, will help them get a better grasp of some of the issues and develop potential legislative solutions and responses for future state budgets. Caucus members will be expected to introduce at least one piece of DOGE-related legislation every year to demonstrate how serious the caucus is about fulfilling its mission.
Read the latest 136th General Assembly Bill Tracking as of March 1, 2025
136th GA March Bill Tracking
Ohio has a Budget Bill—HB 96
Budget hearings are well underway, and the actual bill is available for public scrutiny. The executive director of the Ohio Board of Nursing (Board), Marlene Anielski testified before the House Health Committee on February 13th to provide background information about the Board’s activities. She also explained the Board’s request for a 3.3% increase in FY26 to $14.4 million and another 3.2% increase in FY27 to $14.8 million. The request is largely due to the addition of doulas to the board’s regulatory responsibilities and the expenses associated with administering the nurse licensure compact. The increased appropriation does not include a fee increase because the Board’s licensure income still exceeds its expenses. No general revenue funds are part of the appropriation. It is entirely funded by its licensees and certificate holders. The Board remains the largest regulatory entity in the state.
Health committee members asked about the effects of the licensure compact on the Board’s funding and operations. There are now approximately 43,000 nurses who hold an Ohio multistate license while 6,600 non-Ohio residents practice in the state while holding a license issued by another compact state. Generally, Ms. Anielski discussed outreach efforts to improve efficiencies, communications, and encourage employers to utilize the newly developed tools that allow them to track the licensure status of their employees, including those nurses residing outside Ohio who are practicing in the state by virtue of a multistate license. The Board has also been able to decrease the wait time for processing licensure applications to one-three days.
In response to a question about disciplinary actions, Anielski noted the number of complaints received went up 22% in 2024 over the number in 2022. She called committee members’ attention to a non-budgetary request in the bill and explained the board currently does not have the authority to require licensees and certificate holders to cooperate with them in addressing compliance matters like many other boards do. The proposed budget gives the Board that additional authority. She asked that the legislature retain that provision.
Other policy considerations in the budget that HB 96 might address
Elimination of Medicaid expansion program
As in any budget year lawmakers take a close look at high-cost programs that have a major impact on the state’s bottom line. Public education and Medicaid are two of those programs under the microscope in 2025.
The possibility of repealing Ohio’s Medicaid expansion approved in 2014 under Gov. John Kasich could affect over 700,000 Ohioans who have benefitted from the program almost since its inception. When the expansion was originally proposed, the federal government agreed to pay 100% of the cost for a period, with that percentage gradually decreasing until it reached 90%. Ohio lawmakers are now considering repealing the expansion outright or including a provision in the budget that would repeal the expansion if the federal government lowers its contribution to less that 90%--a likely prospect given the climate in Washington. Rural health systems would be hit the hardest by eliminating the expansion because those areas have a higher percentage of residents enrolled in Medicaid according to the Ohio Department of Medicaid. Without coverage individuals would have a difficult time accessing the health system.
For senate leadership the decision will be based on dollars and cents. The budget must be balanced noted Senate President Rob McColley R-Napoleon; however, others believe there are ways to achieve that goal by making cuts elsewhere.
Medicaid work requirement
In addition to the possible repeal of the expansion, the state is also seriously considering imposing a work requirement for the Medicaid program despite that requirement being criticized as ineffective by some of the states that have tried it.
Under the Ohio Department of Medicaid work requirement, adults under age 55 would be required to prove they work at least 20 hours/week to qualify for Medicaid or have an exception, school enrollment, or intensive physical care needs. Under Donald Trump’s first administration, 12 states imposed work requirements, but Arkansas and Georgia are in the process of scaling back the requirement due to administrative burdens and unforeseen consequences.
Some of those consequences were reported in an Arkansas study that found work requirements did not increase employment. However, people between the ages of 30-49 who had lost Medicaid in the prior year experienced adverse consequences. Fifty percent had problems paying medical debt, 56% delayed care due to cost, and 64% delayed taking medications due to cost.
In Ohio, proponents say a work requirement would empower people to reach their full potential. Opponents predict 61,000 Ohioans would lose access to Medicaid under the work rule while others predict the number of people who would lose access to care would exceed 450,000.
A registered nurse, Alex Fay, from Cleveland wrote the following to the Department of Medicaid, “I work with patients who are on Medicaid, many of whom are not able to work due to physical and mental health concerns. Who will decide what qualifies as working? Or searching for work? Or who’s too ill to work? What about patients with circumstances such as being homeless or in a domestic violence situation? Will they be expected to work?” (Source: Pope, Z (2/20/25) Ohio medical professionals’ express outrage, opposition to Medicaid work requirement proposal. Ohio Capital Journal.)
Many of these significant policy issues will be addressed in some way in HB 96. The house hopes to pass the budget bill by the second week in April with the senate poised to begin its deliberations the week of March 31-April 7th. After the legislature’s spring break, six standing committees in the senate (education, higher education, Medicaid, health, agriculture and natural resources, and government oversight and reform) will hold budget hearings. Senate finance committee chair Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland) will then meet with the finance committee vice chair and the senate finance director and individual senators to learn their budget initiatives and priorities . The final omnibus bill is expected in mid-June. The bill must be signed by June 30th to become effective July 1st.
(Sources: Gongwer (2/18/25) Senate finance chair lays out budget timeline Gongwer News Service.
Glynn, E. & Hendrickson, S. (2/2/2025) Ohio lawmakers consider repealing Medicaid expansion for 770,000 residents. The Columbus Dispatch. Columbus, OH)
Other bills
SB 56 sponsored by Sen. Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) is before the Senate General Government Committee where committee members accepted a substitute bill on 2/18/25. The changes, in part, ensure that any marijuana rules already adopted remain in effect. It also clarifies that existing license holders do not need to apply for a new license, advertising must be reviewed, dispensaries are banned from being located within 500 feet of a prohibited facility, and tax rate and revenue distribution provisions are removed saying the current budget bill (HB 96) will address those issues separately.
Opponents believe the bill is an attempt to override the will of the people who passed an initiated statute in November 2023. Although the voters demonstrated support for the language included on the ballot, legislators can make changes to that language to “tidy up” what voters approved. HB 56 goes way beyond that limitation argued opponents.
(Source: Gongwer-Ohio (2/19/25) State marijuana plan could see further changes. Gongwer News Service)
On the federal scene
U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce of Ohio, Suzanne Bonamici, Oregon; Jen Kiggans Virginia and Lauren Underwood Illinois along with U.S. senators Jeff Merkley Oregon, and Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming reintroduced the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act. According to a February press release from Congressman Joyce, the bipartisan bill would increase healthcare access, improve quality of care, and lower costs by removing the remaining barriers imposed by the federal government in the Medicare and Medicaid programs that prevent advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) from practicing the full scope of their education and clinical training to the level approved in the state where they practice. Eliminating the unnecessary federal barrier would increase access to care and strengthen patient choice. (Source: Congressman Dave Joyce (2/14/25) Joyce, colleagues reintroduce bipartisan bicameral bill to increase access to nurses. United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C.)
Nurse Licensure Compact Update.
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is now 25 -years old. Forty-three states participate in the NLC (including Ohio) with five more (Hawaii, Illinois, New York, Nevada, and Oregon the district of Columbia) currently having bills pending to also join. In addition, the APRN compact continues to attract participants but still needs three more states to come on board. A total of seven states must enact the compact to make it effective. The APRN compact legislation has been introduced in four states (Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, and Montana) so nurses’ efforts continue to make legislators aware of the benefits a compact can have on access to care. (Source: Compact connection (2/24/25) Legislative update. National council of State Boards of Nursing, Chicago, IL)
Budget season is upon us.
Every new general assembly must enact the state’s biennial budget by June 30th so the bill can go into effect July 1st. This heavy lift occurs in the first year of a new general assembly. While it is called the “budget bill”, the lengthy piece of legislation (often thousands of pages long) is much more that a series of appropriations. Many significant policy changes are tucked inside its pages. It affects every aspect of state government, including the fate of many programs and pet policy proposals championed by various legislators, executive branch agency heads, and special interest groups.
The actual bill always originates in the Ohio House of Representatives; however, the governor provides his (or her) initial budget proposal that signals the needs and priorities of the executive branch before the bill actually is introduced. Given the relatively short period of time legislators have to meet the mandated deadlines, testimony from state agency heads about their programs and priorities often begins before the bill is formally introduced. That is the case this year.
That process began in earnest when Governor Mike DeWine held a press conference on February 3rd to alert the public as to what programs, services, and initiatives he believes the state should fund and how the state will meet the $218 billion projected cost; $108 billion for fiscal year (FY) 2026 and $110 billion for FY 2027. By law, unlike the federal government, Ohio legislators must enact a balanced budget by the required legal deadline.
The house finance committee began its meetings this week; and more significantly, various house standing committees began to hear budget-related testimony from state agency leaders. Committee witnesses’ testimony usually provides an overview of the programs they operate and what the financial future is likely to hold based on data provided by the executive branch budget experts. These standing committees will also hear budget testimony from groups and individuals affected by the bill. Cutbacks in services, proposed tax increases and other funding mechanisms along with implications a particular proposal might have on the public are all part of this intense process.
Step 1—the Governor’s budget—Highlights
Following is a brief list of items that are included in Gov. DeWine’s proposal. Many of them have both direct and indirect effects on health. As with all proposals, the devil is in the details . Advocates and opponents will be looking closely at how these changes, as they are fleshed out in the budget, affect their constituents and their interests:
Sources: Glyn, E & Bischoff , L. (2/3/25) DeWine proposes tax increases for cigarettes, sports gambling, & a new child tax credit. Columbus Dispatch.
Gongwer-Ohio ( 2/5/25) Morning tip sheet. Gongwer News Service.
Trau, M (2/3/25) Ohio governor’s proposed budget includes public education funding, tax hikes on weed, tobacco, and betting. Ohio Capital Journal retrieved from https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/02/03/ohio-governors-proposed-budget-includes-public-ed-funding-tax-hikes-on-weed-tobacco-and-betting/?emci=63ad48f4-6fe2-ef11-88f8-0022482a97e9&emdi=962cde2b-e7e2-ef11-88f8-0022482a97e9&ceid=144598.
Other committees begin to meet
As newly established committees start to meet several committee chairs are trying to clarify with house leadership which bills would go to what committee. Both the house and senate have health committees and Medicaid committees. House health committee chair, Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) raised the question as to how Speaker Huffman (R-Lima) plans to handle the potential dual jurisdiction between the two committees. She is hoping that her committee hears a proposal considered by the previous general assembly that would create a license for prescribed pediatric extended care centers in a childcare center that provides nursing and therapy services to children with complex medical conditions. Medicaid covers the services. Neighboring states such as Kentucky already have these facilities, and proponents believe there is nothing that should hold Ohio back from establishing a similar option for Ohio parents. The previous bill was sponsored by Reps. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati); however, Rep Schmidt worked closely with the two sponsors to help develop it. Sponsors agreed that they did not want to rush the process last year and did not expect the legislation would pass in 2024. They introduced it in late fall in hopes it could have some introductory hearings and help lawmakers be prepared to move the bill expeditiously through the 136th General Assembly.
Rep Schmidt also hopes that the health committee will hear a bill she plans to re-introduce this year to revise the laws governing third party payers’ coverage of breast cancer screenings and examinations. Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) is a cosponsor of this legislation.
Chair of the house Medicaid committee, Rep. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester) expressed her eagerness to collaborate with the chairs of multiple committees, including the health committee, which Rep. Gross also serves on.
(Source: Gongwer-Ohio (January 28, 2025) Health chair anticipates overlap with new Medicaid committee. Gongwer News Service).
Non-budget proposals—Bills, bills, bills—lots of them
(See the February Bill Tracker on the ANA-Ohio webpage for an overview of many of these bills)
Although the general assembly has been open for business for only a month The senate had 86 bills and the house 63 at the time this bill tracker was developed. One of the new bills of special interest to nurses is HB 52 sponsored by Rep. Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk) that revises the law regarding the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). Rep. Deeter, a freshman legislator, is a CRNA that had extensive experience representing the legislative interests of nurse anesthetists before being elected to the house in 2024. The bill was introduced February 4th and referred to the house health committee on February 5th. It has 21 co-sponsors including Reps. Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) a nurse researcher and Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester) an advanced practice registered nurse. The bill would establish that CRNAs practice in consultation with physicians, dentists, and podiatrists rather than under their supervision. That consultation occurs in accordance with policies established by the settings in which these individuals are practicing. Nursing care activities are delineated in the bill and include selecting, ordering, and administering treatments, drugs, and intravenous (IV) fluids for conditions related to the administration of anesthesia or the performance of clinical support functions. CRNAs may direct a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or respiratory therapist to provide supportive care that includes administering treatments, drugs, and IV fluids for conditions related to either the administration of anesthesia or the performance of clinical support functions . This authority does not extend outside of settings where the CRNA practices and does not give broader prescriptive authority to CRNAs.
Another bill to note is HB 12 sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Gross (R- West Chester) and DJ Swearingen (R-Huron). Like its predecessor HB 73 from the 135th general assembly, this bill addresses the prescribing, dispensing, and administration of drugs being prescribed for off label purposes. The previous bill passed both the house and senate, but the house refused to concur with the changes the senate made so the bill died at the close of the previous general assembly. This version continues to exclude nurses from provisions dealing with regulatory board disciplinary action immunity. The language reads as follows:
Occupational licensure boards shall not consider prescribing, dispensing, or administering a drug to a consenting patient, including for off-label use by a prescriber, pharmacist, hospital, inpatient facility, or pharmacy to be unlawful, unethical, unauthorized, or unprofessional conduct and shall not pursue professional discipline, fines, or other regulatory sanctions.
Another provision in the new bill called the free speech provision, states:
Health related licensing boards shall neither infringe on free speech nor pursue or threaten to pursue professional discipline or fines against a prescriber, pharmacist, or other licensed health care professional (would seemingly include nurses) for publicly or privately expressing an opinion regarding the safety, risks, benefits, or efficacy of a drug or other medical intervention because the opinion does not align with opinions of the board.
Governor DeWine line item vetoed similar language in HB 315 in the waning hours of the recently completed lame duck session of the 135th General Assembly His veto was not over-ridden.
Read the latest 136th General Assembly Bill Tracking as of February 11, 2025
View Tracker
Both the house and senate will start holding committee hearings the week of January 27th .
The senate wasted no time sending unmistakable signals as to what the next two years will look like legislatively. A long-awaited return of SB 83 from the previous general assembly, is the rewritten higher education reform bill , now SB 1. Sponsored by Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland) this version restores a faculty strike ban that was stricken from the former bill by the House Higher Education Committee in the last session. The current version also bars spending on nearly all DEI initiatives. The bill is likely on a fast track to passage by the senate. Although not yet referred to a standing committee, it will likely go the higher education committee chaired by Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) who predicted hearings would begin next week. According to Roegner, quick decisive action leaves no doubt about how seriously the senate takes higher education. A companion bill (HB 6) was introduced in the house by Rep. Tom Young (R-Dayton.) Supporters feel confident the legislation will pass although there has already been outspoken opposition.
Sen. Terry Johnson (R-Scioto County) a retired physician, introduced SB 7 that requires public and non-public chartered schools to provide instruction in the harmful effects of substance use. The age-appropriate instruction must be provided annually to all K-12 students. As with most bills, the devil is in the details, starting with reporting requirements, curricula content, recommended best-practices, the way the instruction is provided and more. School nurses may want to keep an eye on this bill.
Another bill SB 8 sponsored by Sen. Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) prohibits a public employer from providing paid leave or compensation for a public employee to engage in certain union activities. Those activities include political activities performed by or on behalf of an employee organization advocating for the election or defeat of any political candidate. It also prohibits lobbying activity performed by or on behalf of an employee organization that involves attempting to influence the passage or defeat of federal or state legislation, local ordinance, or any ballot measure. An employee may use accrued personal
leave to engage in the identified political activities if the collective bargaining agreement allows. A collective bargaining agreement may not, however, include a provision that would negate the general prohibitions in the bill.
SB 11 a bipartisan bill sponsored by senators Louis Blessing (R-Colerain Twp.) and William DeMora (D-Columbus) would eliminate non-compete clauses in employment -related agreements. SB 25 sponsored by Sen Terry Johnson (R-Scioto County) a primary care physician, prohibits the provision of sun lamp tanning services to those under age 16. The general assembly has been limiting tanning services for minors by placing numerous restrictions and requirements on anyone under age 18. This bill is an outright prohibition for those age 16 and younger. Finally, SB 32 sponsored by senators Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) and Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) establishes the childcare credit program and includes an appropriation. The previous general assembly considered several pieces of legislation dealing with childcare costs and ultimately approved the inclusion of language creating the credit program in a “Christmas tree” bill, but in that bill the appropriation language was deleted. That omission is corrected in SB 32. A portion of childcare costs are to be shared equally by the employee, the employer and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. Participation in the program is voluntary for parents and employers.
He (or she) who has the money has the power and he (or she) who has the power makes the rules.
HR 9 At the beginning of every new general assembly, both legislative chambers make their own procedural rules for the biennium. Consequently, the majority party, especially one with a super majority, can significantly minimize the role of the minority party when it comes to operational matters. The House of Representatives in the 135th General Assembly, because of a schism in the republican party, adopted rules that gave some consideration to the democrats. For example, democrat leadership had direct authority over their members’ committee assignments and their staff. Under Speaker Matt Huffman those considerations were eliminated. That means the minority party can only recommend which democrats should serve on the various standing committees. The actual appointment is made by the Speaker. The Speaker also manages all house staff regardless of party affiliation. This level of control harkens back to house rules adopted prior to the 135th General Assembly.
Procedural rules adopted by the previous general assembly that intended to provide more transparency in the law-making process were also eliminated. Gone from the current house are the requirements that:
· committee amendments had to be submitted by midnight the night before a committee meeting
· the House Rules & Reference Committee had to set the calendar no later than 24 hours before session
· floor amendments had to be submitted one or two hours before session.
In addition, the lobby directly outside the house chamber will be closed 30 minutes before and after a floor session unless the individual has floor privileges. Floor privileges are held by credentialed media, house members, their guests, and staff.
Minority leader, Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said the procedural changes create less transparency for the public and “make it harder for the public to share values and perspectives.” Republicans counter that the rules are “fair and empower members to more effectively represent (their) constituents .”(1)
The house resolution containing the operational rules was opposed by all democrats and two republicans, former Speaker Jason Stevens (Kitts Hill) and D.J. Swearingen (Huron).
Sources: 1. Gongwer-Ohio (1/22/25) New house rules revert power to the speaker. Gongwer News Service.
2. Gongwer-Ohio (1/22/25) Higher Ed bill returns with DEI and faculty strike bans. Gongwer News Service.
House members introduced 18 bills to start this session.
Like the senate, a variety of topics became the subject of early house legislative proposals. Generally, the first 10 bills introduced during the beginning of a session signal a chamber’s priorities. If that holds true this year, the early house bills cover a variety of subjects from modifications of Ohio’s property law (HB 1), school bus safety (HB 3 ), child care affordability (HB 2 and HB 7), higher education (HB 6 the companion bill to SB 1), and reintroduction of HB 73 from the 135th General Assembly dealing with prescribing, dispensing, and administering off label drugs (HB12).
The new bill (HB 12) is sponsored once again by Rep. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester) with D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) a new cosponsor. The bill addresses some of the concerns raised by opponents of HB 73; however, the language is still somewhat ambiguous with respect to protecting the nurse from Board of Nursing disciplinary action. One of the bill’s 39 co-sponsors is newly elected CRNA Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk). One democrat signed onto the bill, Rep. Cecil Thomas (North Avondale).
Personnel Updates
The senate republican caucus will name former Ohio Republican Party Chair Jane Timken (Stark County) to fill the senate seat formerly held by Kirk Schuring who died late last year. Timken served as party chair for four years before resigning to run for the U.S. Senate. That race was unsuccessful, but she remained a major figure in Ohio republican politics. She is described as a “proven conservative who brings a unique skillset of economic development, public policy and politics to the senate.” ( Source: Gongwer-Ohio (1/23/25) Ex-ORP chair Timken to fill senate vacancy. Gongwer News Service) Her formal election by the majority caucus will take place at the January 29th senate session.
Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee (JMOC)
The Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee (JMOC) was created by Senate Bill 206 of the 130th Ohio General Assembly. The committee consists of five state senators and five state representatives. The primary function of the JMOC is to provide continuing oversight of all facets of the state's Medicaid program. The committee oversees Medicaid compliance with legislative intent, evaluates legislation for long-term impact on Medicaid, and assists in limiting the rate of spending growth, while improving quality of care and health outcomes for individuals enrolled in the state's Medicaid program.
JMOC Members for the 136th General Assembly include:
House members:
Senate Members:
Senate :
The senate leadership established 21 standing committees for the 136th general assembly. The ratio of republicans to democrats is generally representative of the overall senate ratio of Rs to Ds (roughly 72- 27% ). The committees range in size from 6 to 14 members with the finance committee being the largest. The size of a committee can often signal how much work is expected to come its way. This session the public utilities committee has 11 members, which is consistent with the expected focus of both chambers predicted to be on energy issues. Most of the committees have six to seven members.
The health committee is once again chaired by physician and Senator Steve Huffman (Tipp City). Vice chair is another physician Senator Terry Johnson (Scioto County). The ranking minority member is newly elected Senator Beth Liston (Dublin), a former state representative , and also a physician. Other members include senators Susan Manchester (R-Waynesfield ) (a former house member), Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario), and Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati).
Another committee that likely will have a large impact on healthcare issues is the Medicaid committee chaired by Senator Mark Romanchuk. The vice chair is Senator Steve Huffman, and the ranking minority member is Senator Beth Liston. Rounding out the committee are senators Catherine Ingram (D) and Steve Wilson (R-Maineville) with Wilson being the only member who is not also on the health committee.
As always, the finance committee is a major focus of attention because of the important role financial considerations play in policy making. That committee will be chaired by Senator Jerry Cirino (Lake County) who sponsored the controversial higher education reform bill (SB 83) in the previous general assembly. The vice chair is Senator Brian Chavez (Marietta) and the ranking minority member is Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (Toledo). The republican members include senators Louis Blessing (Cincinnati), Andrew Brenner (Delaware), George Lang (West Chester), Susan Manchester, Sandra O’Brien (Ashtabula), Thomas Patton ( Strongsville ), Mark Romanchuk, and Shane Wilkin (Hillsboro ). The democrats are senators Hearcel Craig (Columbus) and Catherine Ingram.
House:
The house cut the number of its standing committees to 27. To do that, Speaker Matt Huffman eliminated all the finance committee subcommittees and changed the focus for others. According to Huffman, his goal was to ensure house members serve on no more than four committees. Most of the committees have nine republicans and four democrats, and like the senate, those numbers are roughly consistent with the percentage of republicans to democrats in the entire chamber. Only the finance committee with 31 members and the energy committee with 24 members are larger.
Eight to ten of the non-finance standing committees will be having hearings about the budget on subject matters related to the committee’s overall area of focus. For example, a large part of budget testimony will go through the new House Medicaid Committee chaired by APRN Rep. Jennifer Gross (West Chester). The committee vice chair is Rep. Tim Barhorst (Fort Loramie) and the ranking minority member is Rep. Rachel Baker (Cincinnati). The committee members are representatives Meredith Craig (R-Plain Twp.) a newcomer, Ron Ferguson (R-Wintersville), newcomer Derrick Hall (D-Akron), Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek), newcomer Crystal Lett (D-Hilliard), newcomer Diane Mullins, (R-Hamilton), Scott Oeslager (R-North Canton), Bill Roemer, (R-Richfield), Anita Somani (D-Dublin) a physician, and former speaker Jason Stephens (Kitts Hill).
The health committee will be chaired by Rep. Jean Schmidt (Loveland). The vice chair is newcomer Rep. Kellie Deeter a CRNA from Norwalk and the ranking minority member is Rep. Anita Somani. Members are representatives Rachel Baker, Tim Barhorst, newcomer Karen Brownlee (D-Symmes Twp.), Meredith Craig (R), Michele Grim (D-Toledo) , Jennifer Gross (R), Angela King (R-Celina ), Melanie Miller (R-Ashland), Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), and Angela White (R-Kettering).
The finance committee is the largest committee of the house. The chair is Rep. Brian Stewart vice chair is Rep. Mike Dovilla (Berea) and the ranking minority member is Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (Westlake). Members include representatives Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison), Rachel Baker (D), Adam Bird (R-Richmond), Jamie Callender (R-Concord), newcomer Chris Glassburn (D-North Olmsted), Michele Grim (D), Thomas Hall (R-Madison Twp), James Hoops (R-Napolean), Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati), Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus), Marilyn John (R-Richland County) Terry Johnson (R-Scioto County), Don Jones (R-Freeport), Gayle Manning (R-N. Ridgeville), Beryl Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna), Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth), Kevin Ritter (R- Marietta) a newcomer; Phillip Robinson (D-Solon) a newcomer, Bill Roemer (R-Richfield), Jean Schmidt (R), Veronica Sims (D-Akron), Jim Thomas (R-Jackson Twp), Daniel Troy (D-Willowick), Angela White (R), Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp), Benard Willis (R-Springfield), and Tom Young (R-Washington Twp).
Former Speaker of the House Rep. Jason Stephens was not named chair or vice chair of any committee. As is customary, no members of the house leadership team were named to head any committee (other than the Rules and Reference Committee, which is typically made up largely of members of the chamber’s republican and democrat leadership teams).
Sources: Gongwer-Ohio (1/17/25) House democrats announce committee assignments. Gongwer News Service.
Gongwer-Ohio ( 1/14/25) Speaker reduces committees, names Stewart finance chair. Gongwer News Service.
Gongwer-Ohio (1/14/25) House Committees for 2025-2026. Gongwer News Service.
Gongwer-Ohio (1/13/25) Senate committees for 2025-2026. Gongwer News Service.
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The 136th General Assembly gets underway—Who are the leaders? One of the first things newly sworn-in legislators in both the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives do is to formally elect their leadership teams. These individuals, particularly the senate president and speaker of the house, make many key decisions that affect the operation of the general assembly, particularly when it comes to processes and priorities.
In the previous general assembly, the early schism within the house republican majority over who would wield the speaker’s gavel continued throughout the two-year session and affected legislative “productivity”. That same discord is not evident in the 136th general assembly. It is generally conceded that the newly elected speaker of the house, Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) holds unprecedented power on Capital Square. Formerly the senate president, Huffman is the first outgoing president to leave the senate floor and walk directly into the house as the new speaker. Because of his likely broad influence over the state’s legislative policy making, it is important to have some idea as to who Huffman is and what he is likely to prioritize in the next two years.
Janice Lanier JD RN Liaison Public Policy Committee
The Making of a Christmas Tree
HB 315 as introduced
In a marathon final legislative session of the 135th General Assembly, a 400-page amendment was added to HB 315 by a conference committee. The original bill dealing with various aspects of township law was introduced in November 2023, passed the house in late June during an earlier marathon session that preceded the lengthy pre-election summer recess. The bill was approximately 122 pages long.
HB 315 as enacted
The bill eventually passed the senate on December 11th, but the house refused to concur with the senate changes. A conference committee was named consisting of six legislators: senators Rob McColley (R-Napoleon), Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville), Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and representatives DJ Swearingen R-Huron, Chair), Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), and Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake). Early in the morning of December 19th the committee produced its lengthy report.
Lame Duck, Log Rolling & Christmas Trees
Once the results of the November General Election were in, eyes turned to what’s going to happen when the newly elected lawmakers take office in January. That’s true for Congress in Washington and for the state legislature in most states. However, before the members of the new General Assembly (the 136th) are sworn in, the outgoing members have until the end of 2024 to finish up their pending business. The rush to close out the current general assembly has led to a flurry of activity that is not over yet. Keeping track of all the developments is not for the faint of heart.
Many bills that have been lingering in various standing committees in both the house and senate face a deadline. If they do not complete the legislative process before the house and senate adjourn sine die, the bills must be reintroduced and begin the entire process anew.
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