Dontavius L. Jarrells News

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today released the following statement regarding the tragic passing of Tiffany Creech in June:  

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today voted against House Bill (HB) 1019, which passed in the Ohio House of Representatives with a vote of 78-16. The Gas Tax Holiday Act is an emergency measure that would pause retail taxes on gasoline and diesel for 90 days, saving the average Ohioan $75-90 over the duration of the pause. Although Ohioans need relief at the pump, the Republican proposal is not the best use of $725 million in state funds while families continue to struggle with the cost of health care, childcare, groceries, housing, utilities, and other basic expenses.

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today celebrates a huge win for the safety and protection of Ohioans. As data centers remain at the forefront of conversations about economic and job growth, ensuring public safety remains a growing priority. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) announced that they will not move forward with their initial proposal to allow data center wastewater in lakes, rivers, and other waterways.

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today released the following statement congratulating Columbus Metro Library (CML) employees on the approval of their union. This accomplishment will protect some of the most essential workers within the community, ensuring they have a stronger voice within their workplace.

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today praised Federal lawmakers for considering legislation to expand access to overdose-reversal medications in schools. In January 2026, House Bill 57 (HB 57), which authorizes schools to store and administer overdose-reversal medication, such as Naloxone, in emergencies to prevent fatal overdoses among students and staff, went into effect in Ohio. The bipartisan legislation championed by Rep. Jarrells and Majority Whip Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) places Ohio as a leading state in overdose prevention in K-12 schools.  

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) Wednesday hosted a Behavioral Health Legislative Brunch at the Vern Riffe Center, bringing together behavioral health professionals, advocates, and community leaders from across Ohio to discuss strategies for improving behavioral health outcomes statewide.

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) alongside fellow members of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) today held a press conference recognizing Juneteenth and reflect on the continuing pursuit of freedom, justice, and equality for Black Ohioans.

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today announced the passage of Senate Bill 450, the state's biennial state capital budget in both the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate. The passing of this bill will provide $8.35M to District 01 for community initiatives and state-owned infrastructure, expanding access to healthcare, improving public infrastructure, preserving cultural institutions, and enhancing quality of life for residents across the region.

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today announced that the Ohio Controlling Board has approved nearly $200K in state funding. The importance of this funding lies in improving the condition of a Columbus State University building and supporting construction at the Columbus Developmental Center.

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) introduced five new pieces of legislation aimed to protect and serve all Ohioans.