The business of legislating was on full display in mid-February as multiple bills were introduced in the Ohio house. The early bills have typically been seen as signaling the legislative priorities of both the majority and minority parties; however, whether that will hold true this session is not totally clear at this point. Regardless, the subject matter is telling in some respects and runs the gamut from seemingly easy wins (HB 22 dealing with the collection of stroke care data & recognition of thrombectomy capable stroke centers) to clearly very controversial proposals dealing with reconfiguration of the Department of Education (HB 12) to tax law modifications (HB 1, & HB 3), the Save Women’s Sports Act (HB 6) teacher loan repayments (HB 9), a parental bill of rights proposal (HB 8), continued phasing in of school funding reforms enacted by the previous General Assembly (HB 10) and changes to Ohio’s ethics and financial disclosure laws (HB 16). On day one of business following the protracted leadership battle, a total of 52 bills were introduced in the house, and one joint resolution (House Joint Resolution [HJR]) 1 sponsored by Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) was also proposed.

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