From The Statehouse 2005 No. 18
by Jennifer Garrison
Jun. 14, 2005
From the Statehouse Article 18
Tuesday, June 7, the House voted out Substitute House Bill 15, also known as Laura’s Law. Substitute House Bill 15 requires the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) to establish and operate an Internet database that posts certain information, including parole and release dates, on each inmate in the custody of DRC. The site also shall provide information as to where an individual may send written statements for a pending release, pardon, or parole of any offender serving a prison sentence.
An amendment was offered and passed requiring a picture identification of sexual offender to be placed in the community notification. Today, when a sexual predator moves into a community, that neighborhood receives notification which merely identifies the offenders name and description. Now a picture will also accompany that notification. The bill passed unanimously. I voted “yes” on the amendment and the bill.
Amended House Bill 208 passed the House also this week. This bill removes the provision in current law that says a salvage motor vehicle part has to be removed by a licensed salvage motor vehicle dealer. Currently, only licensed motor vehicle salvage dealers can make purchases at salvage motor vehicle auctions and salvage motor vehicle pools. This bill adds language that “authorized purchasers” can make purchases. Authorized purchasers will now include, motor vehicle repair operators, scrap metal processors, persons who hold a valid license or registration as a salvage motor vehicle dealer or motor vehicle collision repair operator in another state. I voted “yes”.
The budget bill (House Bill 66) that passed the Senate over a week ago, came back to the House for a vote to concur with the Senate version. There are over 500 differences in the House and Senate versions of the budget bill. The House voted not to concur overwhelmingly. A conference committee of House and Senate members will meet to work out the differences. The bill that finally is voted out of conference committee will go to the House and Senate for acceptance. I voted “no” on concurring.
Governor Taft, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House were hopeful the House and Senate would vote in the next week or two to place on the November ballot a marriage of two (2) bond issues; Issue 2 and Third Frontier. This requires the House and Senate by a super majority to recommend the issue for the ballot. In the House this is 60 votes.
This trio wants to combine the popular Issue 2 public works bond issue with the unpopular Third Frontier issue. Issue 2 is money that goes to every county for roads, bridges, water and sewer projects. It is a wonderful bond issue that receives support of 63% to 73% of Ohio voters. Third Frontier is not a popular bond issue because even though all Ohioans pay, monies will mainly go to the big cities where there are research centers at universities. Third Frontier has failed to pass. I believe marrying these bond issues is very deceitful.
Apparently, the Governor, Speaker and Senate President understand Third Frontier is unlikely to pass on its own merits. This is a back door attempt to circumvent the will of the people. As you might imagine places like Marietta, Caldwell, Cambridge and Woodsfield will not be on the receiving end of Third Frontier monies. It is incredibly irresponsible to risk the Public Works infrastructure programs funded through Issue 2. I believe it is time to restore the integrity of public officials in our state. Combining these issues for the ballot does anything but restore integrity and openness in government.
You can reach Jennifer Garrison at her Columbus office at 614-644-8728 or in the district at 740-373-2414 or by e-mail at jennifer@jennifergarrison.com. Her website is www.jennifergarrison.com