Fellow Ohioans,
It is an honor to serve as your State Representative for Summit County. Over the past several months, we’ve hit the ground running with committee sessions, budget hearings, and legislative action. These early months of the General Assembly are critical in setting the direction for Ohio’s future, and I want to keep you informed on the progress we are making.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. We are always here to assist you.
Sincerely,
Bill Roemer
State Representative
District 31
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Legislation
House Bill 210 - Catalytic Converter Legislation
Representative Phil Plummer and I recently introduced legislation that works to control and prevent issues pertaining to stolen catalytic converters. This legislation would enhance penalties for theft when the stolen property is a catalytic converter, enhance penalties for receiving stolen property when the property is a catalytic converter, and require scrap metal dealers to comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements, amongst other changes.
Catalytic converters contain precious metals – platinum, palladium, and rhodium – that help reduce harmful emissions from vehicle exhaust systems. These metals carry significant street value; as of April 2nd, the price of rhodium stood at $5,700 per ounce—a nearly 30% increase from when I last testified on this issue. Because converters can be removed quickly and quietly using a cordless saw, thieves are able to profit with minimal risk, making this a crime of opportunity that continues to escalate. House Bill 210 provides real benefits for both residents and Ohio businesses. Theft of these devices has resulted in millions of dollars in damages—whether in the form of direct repair costs, increased insurance premiums, or loss of business revenue. I've heard firsthand from business owners who have suffered repeated losses, often forced to absorb the cost or risk losing operational capacity. This bill represents a meaningful step toward protecting those who have been left vulnerable under current law.
House Bill 23
Representative Josh Williams and I recently introduced a bill that would create the Escaped Convict Alert program to help law enforcement find people who've escaped from jail or prison while facing or serving time for a felony. If someone escapes, local police can activate alerts in the surrounding area. The program works alongside any local alert systems and doesn't use federal emergency alert systems unless the federal law allows it. Media outlets that share these alerts aren't held responsible for any issues caused by airing - or not airing - the information.
Specifically, the bill provides the following:
- Authorizes law enforcement to issue regional alerts at their discretion, providing a structured option to inform the public when warranted.
- Allows for local or regional adaptations of the alert system, ensuring flexibility for jurisdictions with existing programs.
- Grants liability protections to broadcasters and systems that participate in good faith, regardless of whether an alert is ultimately broadcast.
- Clarifies that ECAP does not permit use of the federal Emergency Alert System unless expressly allowed by federal law.
I testified on both of these bills during House Public Safety Committee. Click the link below to watch!
PACE Program
I sponsored House Bill 45 of the 134th General Assembly, which includes key provisions to expand access to the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Ohio. This bill allows individuals to continue to live at home while receiving excellent medical care. It also saves Ohio over $30 million per year. The legislation requires ODA to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to identify entities interested in becoming PACE providers in currently unserved counties across Ohio, further advancing statewide access to comprehensive, community-based care for older adults.
State Operating Budget Highlights
  
Constituency
Akron Zoo Animal Hospital Groundbreaking
I recently had the honor of attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the new animal hospital at the Akron Zoo. Funded in part by a $2 million State of Ohio Capital Grant, the Animal Hospital will provide in-house care for thousands of animals on a daily basis and house a state-of-the-art surgery suite, intensive care unit and specialized spaces for the different species, including birds, hoofstock, primates and large carnivores.
The Akron Zoo is an important part of our community, and I am confident this hospital will serve as an incredible resource. I look forward to celebrating the grand opening!
  Denzel Ward Commendation Presentation
I had the privilege of meeting Richfield Resident, Denzel Ward, cornerback for the Cleveland Browns, with a commendation for being included in the Nordonia Athletic Hall of Fame.
Denzel Ward is an Ohio native and went to Nordonia High School. The Ohio State University and the community are proud of you and all your achievements!
Boys and Girls Club
I had the opportunity this month to attend an event that is an opportunity to meet Ohio’s Youth of the Year finalists of our local Boys and Girls club, hear their stories, and learn more about the impact Boys & Girls Clubs have across the state.
 University of Akron Basketball Team
I recently introduced this resolution to honor Bath Township Resident, John Groce, the head coach of The University of Akron’s men’s basketball team. He was named 2025 Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year. Under Coach Groce’s leadership, the team achieved a 17-1 regular conference record, marking just the second time a team in the MAC has reached such a milestone.
Additionally, his leadership helped guide the team to win the Mid-American Conference Championship, a historic accomplishment for the university. Recognizing his outstanding achievements not only celebrates success but also inspires others to excel in their fields. It’s always a pleasure to recognize excellence in our community. Go Zips!
Direction Home Townhall
I had the opportunity to speak to leaders across Northeast Ohio about my passion for outstanding Senior care at the Direction Home Area Agency on Aging.
 Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work together to make Ohio a better place for all. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
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