 I am greatly honored to represent Ohio's 80th House District, covering Miami and southern Darke counties. If you are ever in Columbus, please feel free to call and schedule a visit at The People's Office of District 80.
Data Centers: A Local Government Decision
 I recently spoke on a panel at the first-ever Legislative Update at the Darke County Fair, where we discussed data centers, the Grid Growth Power Line Project, and much more. Congressman Davidson, Commissioner Matt Aultman, and the legendary former State Representative Jim Buchy accompanied me.
House Bill 983 - The Data Center Accountability and Citizen Protection Act
I am a supporter of State Reps. Jennifer Gross and Michelle Teska's legislation, House Bill 983 - The Data Center Accountability and Citizen Protection Act.
House Bill 983 works to impose new requirements on data centers in Ohio by empowering local residents with control over data center development and limiting the costs and environmental impacts on communities.
If enacted, House Bill 983 would do the following:
- Require voter approval before a new or expanded data center could be approved in the community.
- Ban local tax incentives for new data centers.
- Require data centers to generate 100% of their own electricity through on-site or off-grid generation.
- Establish new Ohio EPA air-emission and wastewater standards.
This bill was introduced in late July and awaits a committee assignment.
Ohio's Children Must Be Protected
I am a co-sponsor of House Bill 635, the ‘Enact the Child Protection Reform Act.’
The bill works to tighten reporting requirements, expand information sharing, reduce gaps between law enforcement and children services, increase oversight of children in custody, and strengthen accountability when abuse occurs - or when warning signs are missed.
The legislation is also designed to improve cross-county and cross-agency coordination by requiring critical information to follow a child and ensuring agencies share records, so no child falls through jurisdictional gaps. It integrates law enforcement data into child welfare decisions, requiring domestic violence information to be reviewed in abuse and neglect investigations so patterns of harm are not overlooked. Additionally, the bill increases oversight of residential and congregate care placements by requiring more frequent in-person visits and documented reporting.
House Bill 635 is also known as "Vivian's Law" and originated due to the unthinkable crime committed against Baby Vivian in Piqua, Ohio, by an adult male who was recently sentenced for murder.
House Bill 635 awaits its second hearing in the House Children and Human Services Committee.
Celebrating Darke County’s Own: The Heart of the County Fair
CONGRATULATIONS, Darke County Fair King and Queen, Bryce Watson and Shawna Schmitmeyer! This Ohio State House Commendation rightly recognizes your excellent accomplishments. The future of agriculture is brighter than ever in Darke County.
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