Today was to be the day House Republicans would choose a new leader, allowing business to resume in the chamber. But that was scuttled last night, so the new plan is to convene, elect a new speaker, and pass a full slate of bills (here’s a list of what was on the agenda before the current impasse) tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Meanwhile, dozens of bills are moving through committees in both the House and Senate, so we’ll try to hit the highlights here, but as always, check the full House and Senate committee schedules to be sure you don’t miss anything.
Update On Last Week’s Action
Guns. A House hearing on HB585, a GOP-sponsored package of gun reforms advocated by Gov. Kasich, which includes a so-called “red flag” law, featured testimony from supporters, including emotional words from Fred Guttenberg, a father who lost his daughter in the February shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Stand Your Ground legislation (HB228) had a sixth hearing featuring continued opposition from members of the public who fear that it will lead to more gun violence, as well as from the Ohio Municipal League who expressed concerns about its limits on local control. Committee Chair Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) suggested there was no clear timeline for this bill’s advancement, but it’s been scheduled for a vote this week (see below).
Renewable Energy. A Senate committee adopted changes to HB114 that would maintain Ohio’s renewable energy standards, but reduce the overall targets. The substitute bill would also significantly loosen wind turbine setback restrictions that have weakened the ability to move towards wind power. No action is scheduled this week.
Misc. A measure to prohibit child marriage (HB511) was unanimously reported out of committee, with amendments. Meanwhile, payday lending reform (HB123) did not get a full House vote as expected when the impasse over the next House Speaker led to session cancellation. Better luck this week?