If you have questions about these bills, or would like a whole list of legislation introduced this week, please contact Laura Dixon-Caldwell.
Abortion
SB 145-To criminalize and create a civil action for dismemberment abortions
Senate bill 145 would criminalize dilation and evacuation or "dismemberment" abortion procedures. It also places new restrictions on the use of RU-486. As expected, both pro-life and reproductive rights groups are commenting on the legislation.
Employment
HB 193-Flu vaccine employment protection
This bill would prohibit employers from taking adverse action against employees who refuse to take the flu vaccine. This has been a contentious issue for some time, with some objecting on the basis of religious beliefs, and some vegans opting out due to animal products in the vaccine. A similar bill failed last year.
Firearms
There's been a flurry of firearms bills this year, and this week was no exception, with two bills introduced.
HB 201-Expand right to conceal carry
House bill 201 would allow a concealed handgun licensee to carry concealed all firearms other than dangerous ordnance or firearms prohibited by state or federal law; repeal the requirement that a licensee stopped for a law enforcement purpose promptly inform an approaching officer if the licensee is carrying a firearm and provide for expungement of convictions based on a violation of the requirement; provide that a person age 21 or older and not prohibited by federal law from possessing or receiving a firearm does not need a concealed handgun license in order to carry a concealed firearm and is subject to the same laws regarding concealed firearm carrying as a licensee.
SB 142-Eliminate need when stopped to notify carrying firearm
This bill would allow a concealed handgun licensee to carry concealed all firearms other than dangerous ordnance or firearms that state or federal law prohibits the person from possessing and provide that a person 21 years of age or older and not prohibited by federal law from possessing or receiving a firearm does not need a concealed handgun license in order to carry or have a concealed firearm and is subject to the same laws regarding concealed firearm carrying as a concealed handgun licensee.
Lottery
HB 198-Lottery ticket purchase restrictions
House bill 198 would prohibit a lottery sales agent from accepting a credit card for the purchase of a lottery ticket except at a video lottery terminal.
Real Estate
HB 199-Enact Ohio Residential Mortgage Lending Act
This bill would create the Ohio Residential Mortgage Lending Act for the purpose of regulating all non-depository lending secured by residential real estate and to limit the application of the current Mortgage Loan Law to unsecured loans and loans secured by other than residential real estate.