Ohio Legislature

Ohio Lawmakers: Disarm Domestic Violence Suspects

Associated Press — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:08:28 +0000

A group of Democratic lawmakers in Ohio say domestic-violence deaths can be prevented by taking guns away from people served with restraining orders.

Legislation introduced by Rep. Bob Hagan, a Youngstown Democrat, would require those subject to domestic-violence protection orders to temporarily give up their weapons to law enforcement within 24 hours of being served.

The bill would also give defendants the option to sell their weapons to a licensed federal dealer instead of handing them over.

Ohio Prosecutors Push Mandatory Jury Trials

Associated Press — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 22:32:00 +0000

Ohio prosecutors say they're not giving up in their efforts to pass a law that would allow them to demand that criminal defendants undergo a trial by jury.

The proposal by the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association targets defendants suspected of waiving their rights to a jury trial because they believe a judge will be more sympathetic.

Prosecutors want the ability to demand a jury trial if they believe a judge is biased in favor of the defendant.

Connecticut Shooting Leads to Examination of Ohio Gun Laws

Kabir Bhatia (WKSU) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:30:00 +0000

With the shootings in Connecticut fresh in mind, members of faith community in Ohio are speaking out. The Rev. Tracey Lind at Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland is leading the charge against a loosening of gun restrictions.

Many pastors throughout Northeast Ohio Sunday began their sermons with prayers for the 28 people who died last Friday, 20 of them 6- and 7-year olds. But Tracey Lind quickly switched gears to talk about an Ohio bill lawmakers passed Thursday, which is awaiting Gov. John Kasich’s signature.

Ohio Senate Wants to Change Redistricting Process

Associated Press — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:04:00 +0000

A bipartisan proposal to change the way Ohio draws state legislative and congressional lines has cleared the state Senate with almost unanimous support.

The resolution would create a seven-member commission to draw all maps, and at least one minority party member would have to approve the boundaries.

The House isn't expected to act on the proposal and that chamber's vote is needed to put the measure before voters.

Sen. Frank LaRose, a co-sponsor, said the Senate plan could serve as a roadmap for discussion next year.

Ohio House Clears Rules for Health 'Navigators'

Associated Press — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:04:00 +0000

The Ohio House has passed a bill to require training and certification for a new group of professionals who will be available to guide consumers through the new health insurance exchange.

The measure cleared Wednesday on a 56-32 vote, and it now heads to the Senate.

These so-called health navigators will help educate consumers and small businesses about the new online markets created by the federal health care law. Through these exchanges, consumers will be able to buy individual private policies and apply for government subsidies to help pay their premiums.