From the Statehouse 2008 No. 11
by Jennifer Garrison
Apr. 10, 2008
From the Statehouse: April 4, 2008
By Jennifer Garrison
It was a busy week in the Ohio House of Representatives. We passed three bills that impact our state in very positive ways.
House Bill 350 encourages young people to get involved in our political process by permitting an extra high school poll worker in some precincts. The new law would permit two high school students, instead of the current one, in each precinct that has six or more workers. The bill also allows any college student (registered as an Ohio voter) enrolled in an Ohio institution of higher education to serve as a poll worker in the county in which their institution is located.
This bill encourages our youngest voters to become involved in a substantive way with the political process, providing a strong foundation for a life as a contributing member of our democratic society. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this legislation.
H.B. 350 passed unanimously, including my “yes” vote. It now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
Amended House Bill 248 deals with a type of contract that might involve an accident victim who retains an attorney but has not been awarded any judgment. This individual may need a small loan to pay for a needed medical expense, for example. A financing company might offer to loan them money for the expense in exchange for the individual agreeing to pay back the loan amount out of any awarded judgment from the civil case from their accident, plus interest.
H.B. 248 requires that the front page of these contracts contain the following information in 12-point bold font: the total amount advanced to the consumer, an itemized list of associated one-time fees, total dollar amount to be repaid in six month intervals, and the annual percentage rate of return calculated in those six month intervals. Also, the bill allows the contract to be cancelled without penalty within five days of the receipt of funds. The contract must also be initialed by the consumer on every page, and his attorney must review it.
These consumer protections will prevent fraud and the further victimization of injured citizens. H.B. 248 passed including my “yes” vote. This legislation now heads to the Senate for its consideration.
The Ohio House also cleared up some vague language in the Ohio Revised Code on regional Emergency Management Agencies. It wasn’t clear whether EMA’s could contract with local governments, and some county prosecutors believe the law prohibits any kind of payment for their services. Senate Bill 84 was passed including my “yes” vote. It now goes to the Governor for his consideration.
Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 241 makes changes to a section of existing law that allows counties to accept payments by means of Financial Transaction Devices (FTDs), such as credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, and other cards. The bill expands the definition of FTDs to include electronic payments and transfers of funds, including automated clearinghouse network credit, debit, or e-check entries. This legislation will allow local governments to be more flexible in how they collect fees, fines, and taxes.
S.B. 241 passed including my “yes” vote. It now goes to the Governor for his consideration.
You can reach Jennifer Garrison at her Columbus office at (614) 644-8728 or in the district at 373-2414 or by e-mail at jennifer@jennifergarrison.com. Her Web site is Riffe Center | 77 South High Street | Columbus Ohio 43215-6111 | (800) 282-0253 | District93@ohr.state.oh.us
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