Cutrona, Ohio House Create Legislative Oversight and Transparency with Veto Override

Today, State Rep. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) voted to override the governor’s veto on Senate Bill 22, which establishes legislative oversight and transparency over orders issued during a state of emergency. Both chambers approved the veto override and the bill will become law.

“As a Legislature, we have taken action today to restore checks and balances to our state,” Cutrona said. “For over a year, our people have been mandated time and time again with burdensome health orders, but with the override of the governor’s veto on this bill, we are ensuring that Ohioans and our businesses have a voice once again.”

Provisions in the bill give the Legislature the ability to oversee orders issued by any department under the administration in response to public health emergencies. Orders may be extended or rescinded by the General Assembly through a concurrent resolution.

The bill also ensures that local communities may determine the course of local health orders. As a result, the bill provides parameters for local boards of health in which they must operate when issuing county and district wide orders.

Both the Ohio House and Senate approved Senate Bill 22 on March 10, 2021. After the governor’s veto earlier this week, the two chambers acted to override the veto.

The legislation will become effective in 90 days.