Dear Neighbors and Friends,
As summer comes to an end and fall quickly comes upon us with football and a new school year, I want to share with you this update about what has been happening at the Ohio Statehouse.
The General Assembly spent the early summer voting legislation out of the Ohio House, ensuring numerous bills became law. You will see some of these policies written below, as well as those to keep an eye on through the end of the year.
This summer, I’ve been very busy spending time with residents and organizations throughout Union and Marion Counties. I’ve tried to capture some of these moments with photos here in this newsletter. It’s been great connecting with so many wonderful people!
As many of you already know, I am term-limited, and my last day serving you will be December 31st, 2026. I want you to know how honored I’ve been to represent you and my District that I love so much. Be assured that I will work as hard as I can until I am no longer your State Representative. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with your ideas, concerns, and issues, and I will do my best to address them.
Wishing you a happy fall, enjoying the cooler temperatures and the beauty of our fall foliage.
Ohio's Capital Budget Projects
The 86th House District received $1.45M for projects in the FY27-28 State Capital Budget Bill.
 House Bill 479 incorporated a significant appropriation that will provide $350 million in property tax relief for Homestead Exemption recipients, including our vulnerable seniors.
My Introduced Legislation
House Bill 462 - Regarding Student Use of a Nasal Epinephrine Delivery Device
- House Bill 462 permits students to possess and use a nasal epinephrine device in schools and camps, in addition to an epinephrine autoinjector as already permitted under current law. This legislation empowers parents, students, and healthcare providers to choose the most appropriate emergency treatment option in the case of severe allergic reactions. These changes were officially implemented at the beginning of the school year.
Sub. House Bill 261: Increase the Amount of the Standard Homestead Exemption
- This bill incentivizes local governments to enact a local homestead exemption and offers a state reimbursement of 50% to those that implement a local homestead exemption. The bill also increases the income eligibility for the standard homestead exemption to $55k in income per owner-occupied property. Our seniors deserve more property tax relief!
- Status: In House Ways and Means Committee
House Bill 117: Enact the Pledge of Allegiance Act
- House Bill 117 will require public schools to adopt a policy that establishes a time and manner for the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The goal of this bill is to foster love of country, patriotism, and national identity in schools.
- Status: In House Education Committee
House Resolution 330: Urge Congress to Enact the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act
- House Resolution 330 urges the United States Congress to enact the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to strengthen election integrity nationwide. The resolution calls for enhanced verification measures to ensure that only eligible United States citizens participate in federal elections. By encouraging federal action, H.R. 330 reinforces Ohio’s commitment to secure, transparent, and trustworthy elections.
- Status: Awaiting 1st hearing in House General Government Committee
House Bill 464: Exempt Military-Certified Child Care Providers from Licensure
- House Bill 464 provides an exemption to state licensure requirements for family childcare providers certified by the U.S. Armed Forces. This legislation reduces duplicative regulations while maintaining safety standards for military families. H.B. 464 was favorably passed out of the House on March 18th and will continue the legislative process in the Senate.
- Status: In the Senate Armed Services, Veterans Affairs, and Public Safety Committee
Legislation to Watch
 Senate Joint Resolution 10: Constitutional Amendment - Require Identification to Vote
- SJR 10 requires electors to provide photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military card) to vote in person at a polling location.
- The general public will have the opportunity to vote on this issue in November’s general election.
- Status: Enacted into Law
House Bill 645: Require the Use of Zero-Based Budgeting Every 10 Years
- House Bill 645 establishes zero-based budgeting requirements for state agencies beginning with the 138th General Assembly (2029-2030).
- It also requires the Senate Finance Committee Chairperson or the House of Representatives Finance Chairperson to select at least 1 ⁄3 of the state agencies, on a rotating basis, to submit their estimates using zero-based budgeting.
- Status: Passed by House, in Senate Finance Committee
House Bill 630: Regards Police Escorts for Farm Equipment, Agricultural Vehicles
- House Bill 630 updates the current law to allow the operation of farm machinery and agricultural vehicles on limited access highways and freeways without a police escort, as long as the driver has a permit from ODOT that allows such operation.
House Bill 646: Create the Data Center Study Commission
- H.B. 646 addresses key environmental and financial concerns by reclassifying data centers into a separate rate class to prevent spikes for ratepayers; requiring data centers that produce upwards of 250 MW to build, buy, or bring their own power; and mandating data centers to use closed-loop cooling systems to minimize water consumption.
- Status: Awaiting concurrence from the House
Senate Bill 214: Remove Firearm Mufflers, Suppressors as Dangerous Ordnance
- Senate Bill 214 removes firearm mufflers or suppressors from the classification of dangerous ordnance and no longer requires an owner to register the firearm muffler or suppressor in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
- Updates the Ohio Revised Code to be compliant with federal standards.
- Status: Passed by the Senate, in the House Public Safety Committee
Veterans and Military Development Committee Updates
 In July, members of the Veterans and Military Development Committee participated in a tour of the 179th Cyberspace Wing in Mansfield. The tour provided us with valuable insight into the nation’s first Air National Guard Cyberspace Wing. This month, the committee will be visiting one of Ohio’s Veteran Homes in Sandusky.
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As I continue my work in the state legislature, please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you need assistance with a state issue or would like to share your thoughts with me. I also encourage you to follow my social media for updates on what’s happening in Columbus and our community.
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