Guest Column: A Legislative Update by Representative Scott Oelslager - July 27,2020
The House was successful in passing several pieces of legislation recently including measures to update outdated fair laws and protect confidentiality for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking, and sexual assault.
My colleagues in the Ohio House and I work hard to improve the lives of the Ohioans we represent, and I appreciate the opportunity to update you on these and other issues before us in the Legislature.
Duty to Notify When Asked Law: House Bill 425 clarifies ambiguous language and removes severe penalties associated with the ambiguous language, protecting the rights of concealed handgun license holders. Under current law, the duty to notify a police officer of carrying a firearm is vaguely written, leading to different interpretations, and carries harsh penalties. House Bill 425 gives control back to the law enforcement officer by allowing them to ask if they person they stop is carrying a concealed handgun. These changes would bring Ohio in line with the vast majority of other states.
Funding for School Facilities and Public Works: Senate Bill 4 includes bonding authority totaling $300 million for school facilities and $255 for public works including local infrastructure projects. Investing in our infrastructure is an important step in reopening Ohio and rebuilding the economy.
Revising Ohio’s Alcohol Sales Laws: House Bill 674 modernizes Ohio’s antiquated alcohol laws and helps businesses recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Included in the bill are provisions to allow Sunday alcohol sales and expand permit holders’ ability to create outdoor refreshment areas. The bill creates a new liquor permit to extend weekend hours of operation from 2 to 4 a.m. Additionally, House Bill 674 would provide amnesty from disciplinary action related to violating COVID-19-related health orders if the action occurred before June 1.
Updating Fair Laws: House Bill 665 modernizes the Ohio Revised Code as it refers to county fairs. The bill is largely technical and seeks to create financial flexibility and feasibility for agricultural societies, while also requiring transparency from the societies. House Bill 665 also implements safety guidelines set by local agricultural societies that best fit each individual fair.
Ohio’s Safe at Home Program Expansion: House Bill 429 expands the Safe At Home Address Confidentiality Program administered by the Secretary of State. The program maintains confidentiality for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking, and sexual assault by assigning program participants a substitute address to prevent their address from becoming public record, ensuring their offender does not locate them. House Bill 429 would expand the program by authorizing the Secretary of State to create a real property confidentiality notice for participants who are interested in purchasing a home. It also allows the Secretary of State to communicate on the participants behalf to certain entities in order to confirm their enrollment in the Safe at Home program. Finally, the legislation would expand the program to apply to ongoing child custody cases, as participants are often involved in these court proceedings with their former abuser. House Bill 429 passed out of the House unanimously.
In everything I do, whether it is in Columbus or back in my home district of Stark County, I will continue to make your priorities my priorities. With that goal in mind, I welcome your feedback and opinions at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact me by calling (614) 752-2438, emailing Rep48@OhioHouse.gov, or by writing me at 77 South High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215.