Representative Justin Pizzulli Spring Newsletter
House Bill 13 - Roy Rogers Day
On March 5th, I announced that the Ohio House passed Bill 13, legislation to designate November 5th as "Roy Rogers Day” in Ohio.
Born on November 5, 1911, Roy Rogers, the “King of Cowboys,” grew up in Portsmouth, Ohio and went on to have a historic career as an American singer, actor, television host, and rodeo performer.
This legislation seeks to both honor a legend deeply rooted in our state’s history and instill hope in younger Ohioans from rural communities that they too can pursue and achieve their dreams. By designating November 5th as ‘Roy Rogers Day,’ we ensure that his legacy, and the lessons it offers, live on.
Portsmouth was home to the Roy Rogers Museum and its annual festival for 40 more than years. House Bill 13 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
House Bill 58 - Legislation to Address Unregulated Recovery Housing in Ohio
I also recently introduced House Bill 58, which is legislation to address Ohio’s unregulated recovery housing industry. The bill will empower the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to establish a certificate of need program to assess and set the appropriate level of recovery housing in each Ohio region to ensure a fair distribution of services statewide. It will also allow local Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services boards to inspect recovery housing facilities, investigate complaints, and impose penalties on facilities that fail to comply with statewide standards.
Unfortunately, Ohio’s recovery housing industry is currently operating without adequate oversight, creating a “Wild West” environment, and allowing bad actors to exploit the system. By instituting strong local oversight, this legislation will help root out bad actors, protect vulnerable residents, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
I also encourage those who have concerns about a recovery home in their area to complete the form found here.
 I am incredibly proud of our local officials who came up to testify in support of H.B. 58 - to put an end to bad actors in recovery housing. Your concerns have been heard, and we are working together for you.
House Bill 54 - The House's Version of the State Transportation Budget
 I proudly voted in support of House Bill 54 – the State Transportation Budget. The bill allocates funding for Ohio’s extensive transportation system, prioritizing efforts that keep Ohio moving forward.
House Bill 54 is the primary mechanism to fund transportation infrastructure development and maintenance for FY 2026-2027. Passed on the floor with unanimous support, House Bill 54 includes provisions that aim to preserve Ohio’s vital infrastructure, promote economic development, and boost public safety.
I'd like to highlight a measure that will direct $2 million to require the Ohio Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study for an I-73 corridor primarily along current U.S. Route 23, stretching from Toledo to Chesapeake, Ohio by December 31, 2026.
House Bill 54 was recently signed by Governor DeWine.
House Bill 62 - Legislation to provide relief to school districts
 Representative Bird and I recently introduced legislation to provide relief to school districts, particularly in rural areas, that have faced increasing College Credit Plus (CCP) expenses since the pandemic.
The bill works to accomplish the following:
- Align rates for online CCP classes with the second-tier rate for CCP classes taken at high schools. Online CCP courses are currently billed at the highest-tier rate per credit hour.
- Encourage textbook cost sharing between colleges and high schools and allow CCP students to use free, open-source materials.
- Promote local CCP enrollment by encouraging students to take CCP courses at their high schools, when available.
This bill offers practical, fair, and financially responsible solutions to ensure CCP remains a valuable resource for Ohio’s students and school districts. Appalachian schools shouldn’t be at a financial disadvantage compared to urban districts. This bill levels the playing field, keeping resources where they’re needed most.
This bill awaits further consideration in the Education Committee.
In the District Highlights
 I enjoyed a great meal with Monty Lobb and Tim Throckmorton at one of Portsmouth’s best—the Ribber!
 Congratulations to Mike Fitch!
Mike was recently recognized as an outstanding bus driver from Green Local Schools. Thank you for all you do to invest in the lives of students and keep them safe!
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