2018-06-30 OREIA LEGISLATION BRIEFING
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OREIA LEGISLATION BRIEFING
Lawmakers then returned to Columbus following the Primary Elections expecting to act on a flurry of bills before breaking for summer recess. Nevertheless, the House was forced to cancel multiple sessions after the GOP was unable to come to a consensus on a replacement for former Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, who resigned in April due to an FBI investigation. After weeks of failed negotiations, the House finally convened on June 6th to vote on a new speaker. After 10 rounds of voting no candidate was able to obtain the necessary support from a majority of legislators present in order to win, with one member waiting to be seated and seven absent, that meant 46 votes. According to state law, in the 11th round a majority was no longer required, and the candidate with the most votes would win. Rep. Smith, with 44 votes, emerged victorious, defeating Rep. Strahorn (27), Rep. Thompson (13) and Rep. Hughes (7). The House wasted little time in addressing legislation, tackling 17 bills the day following the speaker vote. The House is scheduled to convene again on June 20th and June 27th. The Senate has “if needed” session days scheduled for June 13th and June 27th. Both chambers are expected to recess following the June 27th sessions.
The Ohio Department of Health has issued draft rules to implement the language added in the biennial budget last year regarding the operation of the Ohio Lead-Safe Rental Registry. The proposed rules 1) define the steps necessary to list a rental unit on the registry; 2) state who can perform the required work to qualify a unit for listing on the registry; 3) and provide the training requirements for individuals or firms performing the work to qualify a unit for the registry.