From the Statehouse 2008 No. 12
by Jennifer Garrison
Apr. 11, 2008
From the Statehouse:
By Jennifer Garrison
It was a busy week in the Ohio House of Representatives. We passed three bills that varied greatly, and impact the state in a variety of ways.
First, Senate Bill 219 corrects a disparity in Ohio’s criminal statute of limitations to investigate and prosecute misconduct in government. This legislation was recommended by the Ohio Ethics Commission, and it will allow third party accomplices to ethics violations to be more easily prosecuted. Currently, if a public servant commits a offense along with a third party, prosecutors have more time to commence prosecution against the public servant and less time to do so against the third party. S.B. 219 will resolve this disparity and give prosecutors the same amount of time to prosecute public servants and third parties who commit offenses related to misconduct in office.
The current difference in the statute of limitations and the problems it creates for investigators, prosecutors, and the public became apparent in the past few years as a number of public officials and their accomplices were shown to be involved in unethical behavior while they were charged with serving the people of our state. The Ohio House of Representatives is committed to properly punishing all parties involved in such activities, and this legislation is a prime example of that commitment.
S.B. 219 passed unanimously, including my “yes” vote. It now goes to the Governor for his consideration.
Amended House Bill 367 establishes a separate set of regulations for debt settlement service providers, distinguishing them from those performing debt adjustment services. The most important distinction between the two services is that debt settlement services do not receive or disburse any of a client’s money. Debt settlement services are a relatively new phenomenon. Current law makes the assumption that such services would be non-profit, which is not necessarily the case. The idea behind these services is that they negotiate with creditors who would rather receive a portion of their money (generally 20%-50% of what is owed) rather than receiving nothing at all if the debtor declares bankruptcy.
This bill will provide regulations that serve as consumer protections for those working to get themselves out of debt. H.B. 367 passed, including my “yes” vote. This legislation now heads to the Senate for its consideration.
The Ohio House also made some changes to the way local health districts are operated in Ohio. Substitute House Bill 327 updates the rules and restrictions that govern the structure and authority of local health boards. It is important that local governing bodies have the tools they need to operate in today’s world, and this legislation makes some simple changes that will allow local health boards to operate more efficiently and provide the services local populations need. House Bill 327 passed by an overwhelming majority, including my “yes” vote. It now goes to the Senate for its 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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