Innovation Ohio · August 16, 2021

Help STOP This Deadly Anti-Vaccine Bill

Ohio HB 248 puts lives at risk. It would ban employers, schools, and others from requiring or even incentivizing vaccines. It would weaken Ohio’s vaccination laws in several ways.

Ohio’s Republican supermajority recently invited dozens of witnesses like Sherri Tenpenny to testify in support of HB 248:

HB 248 is expected to receive more Statehouse committee hearings soon. Committee hearings are often scheduled with very little advance notice.

We strongly encourage Ohioans to write their opponent testimony now — so it can be ready at a moment’s notice.

Want to testify against this bill? Or submit written-only testimony? Follow this process:

HOW TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY (in-person OR written-only):

• 1. Write your testimony.
  • See testimony template below.
  • What HB 248 would do
  • Why HB 248 is so dangerous
  • Important: Send your testimony as a PDF file!

• 2. Fill out a witness slip.
  • Copy/paste this generic witness slip into a Word document and email it along with your testimony.
  • Important: Send your witness slip as a PDF file!

**STOP HERE — wait for the next bill hearing to be announced. Then proceed to Step 3**

• 3. Email your testimony and witness slip to Rep62@OhioHouse.gov (Chairman Lipps) AND rep24@ohiohouse.gov (Ranking Member Russo).
  • Send both documents as two separate PDF files!

If you’re submitting written-only testimony, that’s it! You’re done! You officially testified! If you’re testifying in-person, see below.

• 4. Arrive at the Statehouse before the committee is scheduled to begin.
  • Park either in the garage underneath the Statehouse or the Columbus Commons Parking Garage.
  • Note: you’ll need to go through a metal detector when you arrive.
  • You can ask the security guards to direct you to the committee room where your hearing is being held.

• 5. Bring a printed copy of your testimony with you to read in front of the committee (you do not have to read your testimony word for word).

• 6. You may also want to bring copies to hand to reporters – You can contact reporters ahead of time to let them know you (and your group) will be testifying!

—TESTIMONY TEMPLATE—

Chairman Lipps, Vice Chair Holmes, Ranking Member Russo, and members of the House Health Committee,

Thank you for allowing me to testify today. My name is ________. I am [basic bio about yourself]. I am strongly opposed to House Bill 248, the anti vaccination bill.

[Then tell them why HB 248 is so bad! Make it short and sweet -  a few paragraphs is perfect. Tell a personal story. Or explain why your job experience gives you perspective on the bill. Maybe cite statistics or studies to back up your claims]

I ask you to consider my testimony and vote NO on this [harmful / dangerous / embarrassing / etc.] bill. Thank you again for the opportunity to testify.

[IF TESTIFYING IN PERSON] I will now take any questions you may have.

AFTER YOU ARE FINISHED SPEAKING, legislators may ask you questions.

• They are more likely to ask questions if you provide data/statistics or present yourself as having professional experience related to the bill.
• This part of the process can be incredibly persuasive! But be prepared to back up your testimony!

Questions? Email Rachel Coyle: Coyle@InnovationOhio.org