By Monica Cerrezuela, Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs
State Legislative Roundup
The Ohio General Assembly had a busy few weeks following the May 3rd Primary Election, feverishly trying to pass legislation before departing for their summer recess. Below are some key takeaways and headlines:
- Capital Budget
- The $3.5 billion state capital budget was passed that will help fund community projects across the state
- Marijuana Legalization
- Marijuana legalization will not be on the ballot in Ohio in 2022. The group behind the initiative is now aiming for November 2023
- State Counseling Compact
- Senate Bill 204, legislation that would enter Ohio into the State Counseling Compact, is now headed to Governor DeWine’s desk for signature.
- As a member state of the Counseling Compact, it will allow professional counselors licensed and residing in a compact member state to practice in other compact member states without the need for multiple licenses.
- With over 10 states having signed, member states will establish the governing structure, which will take 12-18 months. From there, member states will then be able to issue compact privileges.
- Proposed Constitutional Amendments
- There will be two proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot this fall – one that deals with prohibiting noncitizens from voting in elections (House Joint Resolution 4) and the other that would require courts to consider public safety when determining bail amounts (House Joint Resolution 2)
- Sports Betting
- The Ohio Casino Control Commission announced that Sports Betting in Ohio will begin January 1, 2023
The legislature is planned to come back in September for a few weeks of legislative activity before breaking again until after the November Election for what is expected to be crazy lame-duck session. If you have any questions about legislation that has or has not passed, please reach out to me at mcerrezuela@adamhfranklin.org.