It has been six weeks since the Ohio General Assembly convened to pass HB 197, which contained several emergency protocols for the COVID-19 crisis including the March 17, 2020 primary. Both chambers were in session this week, however, again working on COVID-19 related legislation.
The Ohio Senate amended and passed SB 310 on Wednesday, which will distribute $350 million from the dollars Ohio received in the CARES Act to local governments for the purpose of offsetting COVID-19 expenses. The bill will take effect immediately after Gov. Mike DeWine’s signature, but the Ohio House will have to pass it first. It is scheduled to meet again next week, which is the earliest representatives will be able to take up the legislation.
The Ohio House amended two pieces of legislation to limit the authority of the Director of the Ohio Department of Health. SB 1 was amended to say an order issued by the Ohio Department of Health will expire after 14 days. The order will then go to the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review to vote on whether or not it is to be extended beyond the 14 days. SB 55 also was amended to remove criminal penalties attached to the violation of a pandemic-related order from the Ohio Department of Health or a local health department. As early as next week, the Ohio Senate will have to decide whether to concur with the House’s changes or reject them.
The House and Senate have voted to pass a bill that avoids a looming government shutdown. The bill, which includes short-term spending, disaster aid and a farm bill extension.
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The disaster relief funding disbursement will be overseen by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and administered through local soil & water districts.
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The winners of the 2024 Ohio Farm Bureau Advocacy in Action Award are Roger Baker of Wayne County and Neall Weber (posthumously) of Franklin County.
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The requirement for businesses that are registered with their state to file information about beneficial owners with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has been paused.
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Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives recommend safe energy conservation during extreme cold snaps to help alleviate demand.
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Delegates discussed many important topics including carbon sequestration and mental health at the Ohio Farm Bureau’s 106th Annual Meeting.
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Bill Patterson, Cy Prettyman and Adele Flynn will continue to serve as officers for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
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10 Ohio Farm Bureau members were elected to the federation’s state board during the 106th annual meeting.
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The grants help inspire, encourage and nurture young agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs to find creative and transformative ways to address challenges facing the agricultural sector today.
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The 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipients are Dr. John Mossbarger of Fayette County, Sen. Rob Portman of Warren County and Jane Scott of Franklin County.
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