From the Statehouse

By Jennifer Garrison

July 23, 2010

Several important pieces of legislation passed in May that I have not yet had the opportunity to report on.  Over several weeks State lawmakers put in many hours to pass legislation that will save money for our local county governments and strengthen our schools, among other things.

The House recently passed legislation to help County Fair Boards struggling to pay exorbitant charges from the State Auditor.  House Bill 402 sets limits on the cost of audits that the Auditor of state may charge a County Agriculture Society. The bill also limits the costs of audits that the Auditor of State may charge a County Agricultural Society to no more than $3000, and it requires a county agricultural society to annually publish its treasurer’s account.  We need to ensure that our local governments have the funds they need to serve their communities.

I co-sponsored and voted “yes” on HB 402 as it passed out of the House. The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

House Bill 462 reauthorizes the release of funds to complete previously-approved capital construction projects, such as school buildings, prisons, and public infrastructure.  

The bill includes $120 million for the Public Works Commission (PWC) and $25 million for the Public Works Commission Revolving Loan Fund.  The Capital Reappropriations bill is the traditional vehicle for these appropriations, and establishes appropriation authority for the PWC.  Individual projects are not specified in the bill and must go through the PWC’s competitive approval process to receive funding.

The bill also includes $525 million for the School Facilities Commission (SFC). We must authorize these funds in the reappropriations bill to let school districts know they will receive funding from the SFC prior to placing a local levy proposal on the fall ballot.  Again, individual projects are not specified in the bill and must go through the SFC’s regular approval process in order to receive funding.

I voted “yes” on HB 462 as it passed out of the House. The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

Additionally, the House passed legislation ensuring due process for dentists who are subject to Dental Board disciplinary actions by providing a variety of protections.  House Bill 215 was introduced after the bill’s sponsors received a high number of complaints regarding unfair practices by the State Dental Board. 

The bill also makes sure our dental health care professionals stay up-to-date by increasing annual continuing education requirements for dental hygienists from 12 to 24 hours. This legislation was supported by the Ohio Dental Association, and I co-sponsored and voted “yes” as HB 215 passed out of the House unanimously.  It now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

House Bill 349 works to strengthen the aims of the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood.  The bill adds three additional commissioners, requires the commission to appoint an executive director, and requires the commission to convene a state summit on fatherhood once every two years.  None of the provisions in the bill will result in additional costs to the state.

I voted “yes” on HB 349 as it passed out of the House.  It now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

We recently passed a bill to encourage Olympic-style boxing matches to come to town.  Currently, counties can be awarded grants from the state in order to hold certain sporting events (Super Bowl, NCAA Championship, etc).  This bill would add premier boxing competitions to that approved list and allow communities to reap the economic benefits of drawing in large sporting competitions.

I voted “yes” on HB 356 as it passed out of the House with bipartisan support.  It now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

You can reach Jennifer Garrison in her Columbus office at (614)644-8728, in the district at (740)373-2414 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Her website is www.jennifergarrison.com.