Ohio lawmakers begin coronavirus-focused legislative agenda
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — Ohio lawmakers head back to work at the statehouse this week with new health precautions and a legislative agenda focused on responding to coronavirus pandemic.
House members introduced nearly two-dozen bills on Monday, many of which sought an emergency declaration for COVID-19.
The newly-introduced bills included:
- HB 562:Prohibit eviction and foreclosure during COVID-19
- HB 564:Prevent utility disruption during COVID-19
- HB 565:Extend state, municipal, and school district income taxes filing deadline
- HB 579:Require health plan issuers cover COVID-19 test and treatment
The House had a session scheduled Tuesday afternoon, but it was canceled. Both the House and the Senate are expected to convene Wednesday.
Speaker of the House Larry Householder has notified members of "social distancing" precautions and new protocols being implemented after discussions with the Ohio Department of Health.
The new procedures included:
- Assigning representatives to small groups that will meet in a specified room/area to watch a video stream of the House session
- House leadership and members speaking on matters to be considered will be in their seats, but should remain six feet apart
- Voting will be done with a roll call, voice vote
- Checking temperatures of members before a session
- "Strongly" suggesting sick representatives to stay home
- Turning the Members’ Lounge into a quarantine area should a representative "insist on attending"
The House Chamber will be closed to the public and media "to limit the number of individuals" in the room, Householder shared in a memo.
Sessions will be televised on the Ohio Channel, and ABC 6/ FOX 28 will continue our efforts to speak with elected officials about the legislative efforts.