Happy Easter
 I’d like to wish all of District 90 a joyful and peaceful Easter! May this beautiful season of renewal fill your heart with hope, your home with happiness, and your life with love. He is risen!
Legislative Highlights
House Bill 58 - Addressing Unregulated Housing in Ohio
 I'm pleased to share that the Ohio House of Representatives recently passed legislation I championed, House Bill 58, to address Ohio’s unregulated recovery housing industry, closing loopholes and strengthening accountability within the industry.
Key provisions of House Bill 58 are as follows:
- Requires state certification of recovery housing facilities based on statewide standards of practice established by the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health;
- Allows local officials to impose penalties on facilities that fail to comply with statewide standards, shutting down bad actors;
- Criminalizes compensation for patient referrals or the use of services within the system, refocusing attention on recovery rather than profit;
- Requires that a patient receiving treatment at a court-ordered location who does not complete care be provided transportation back to the patient’s county of residence; and
- Creates the Ohio Recovery Housing Task Force to study and make recommendations regarding recovery housing in Ohio.
I'm so grateful to everyone who provided written and in-person testimony during the committee process, playing a vital role in helping the bill cross the finish line in the Ohio House.
House Bill 58 now awaits further consideration by the Ohio Senate.
House Bill 641 - Trails to Tails Act
 The House Natural Resources Committee has officially begun hearings on the Trails to Tails Act.
House Bill 641 will require the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to conduct two comprehensive studies, one on the feasibility of elk reintroduction and one on expanding side-by-side trail riding opportunities across Ohio.
First, ODNR will evaluate the overall feasibility, including habitat suitability, agricultural impacts, disease risk, roadway safety, and long-term management capacity, for the reintroduction of elk into Ohio’s state forests and wildlife areas. The study will also require public meetings and written input from county commissioners, farm bureaus, hunters, conservation groups, and tourism organizations, prioritizing local participation.
Across the country, responsibly managed elk populations have created tourism activity, wildlife viewing, guide services, lodging, and eventually tightly regulated hunting seasons.
The second study will evaluate the creation and expansion of side-by-side riding opportunities across Ohio. ODNR will specifically evaluate the environmental impact, erosion control, safety standards, enforcement protocols, and emergency access to determine feasibility.
Rural Ohio is actively searching for economic opportunity. This legislation gives the state a chance to evaluate new tools for tourism, small business development, and outdoor recreation while relying on scientific expertise and local input.
The legislation includes a $3 million appropriation to conduct the studies.
The Trails to Tails Act awaits further consideration from the House Natural Resources Committee.
House Bill 692- Updating Ohio's Septic Regulations
Representative Marilyn John and I recently introduced House Bill 692, legislation to address inconsistencies in Ohio’s septic regulations. This bill would establish a clear statewide framework, streamline approvals, remove redundant paperwork and inspections, and protect property owners while preserving strong public health standards.
District Highlights
Honoring Heidi Riepenhoff on the House Floor
 I had the opportunity to recognize Heidi Riepenhoff during House Session for her retirement after 36 years of service to Scioto County Job and Family Services. She started as a typist and ended her career as a Public Assistance Administrator. Thank you for all that you have done for our community!
House Bill 109 Testimony
 Thank you, Tom and Nate, from Adams County and Scioto County, who came to testify on House Bill 109. They highlighted how the bill will showcase the natural beauty and potential of the 90th District.
Shawnee State University Student Visit
 I enjoyed visiting with a few college students who are majoring in education, from my alma mater, Shawnee State University! These are the next generation of teachers. You all have very bright futures ahead of you, here in Ohio.
Adena Health Hospital Tour
 I had the opportunity to join members of the Rural Hospital Caucus on a tour of the Adena Health Hospital in Chillicothe. We participated in a roundtable discussion about healthcare policy and workforce strategies.
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