Each Friday, we highlight some of the bills and resolutions introduced in the Ohio Legislature in the past week. For question about these bills, or to see the full list, contact Laura Dixon-Caldwell.

Constitutional Law 

HJR 5-Change Constitutional Amendment Procedure

This resolution would modify the requirements for the referendum and initiative processes by increasing the number of signatures needed for both initiated statute and constitutional amendments, increasing the vote total needed for passage to 60 percent, and banning the paying of petition gatherers.

Health Care/Insurance 

SB 227-Insurance Claim Information Release

Senate bill 227 would require health insurers to release information to group policyholders including the net claims paid by month, a listing of all potential catastrophic diagnoses and prognoses involving persons covered under the policy, and more.

HB 399-Right To Shop Act 

House bill 399 would require health insurers to establish shared savings incentive programs for enrollees.

Tech

SB 225-Ohio Broadband Development Grants

This bill would create the Ohio Broadband Development Grant Program.  The program would provide funds to extend broadband service to unserved areas of the state.

Tax

SB 226-Permanent Sales Tax Holiday

Senate bill 226 would make the three-day sales tax "holiday" each August (during which sales of clothing and school supplies are exempt from sales and use tax) permanent.