From The Statehouse 2005 No. 19
by Jennifer Garrison
Jun. 21, 2005
From the Statehouse Article 19
This is a good week for Allegheny Power customers in Washington County. The PUCO ordered Monongahela Power (Allegheny Power’s parent company) to begin discussions with AEP regarding the transfer of the service territory to AEP. Monongahela Power has been unwilling to enter into a rate stabilization plan and their rates had been projected to rise by as much as 71% at the end of 2005. AEP has entered into rate stabilization plans in other areas of the state to give their customers rate stability. The PUCO in their press release said, “Members of the General Assembly have shared concerns with us regarding Mon Power’s application, and we share those same concerns.”
Wednesday, June 13th, the House voted out Substitute House Bill 79. This bill makes changes to the law concerning the reporting of information about teachers who have abused children. The bill requires that information about certain professional misconduct or child abuse, be reported to the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Sub. H.B. 79 also requires the State Board of Education to request a criminal records check prior to renewing an educator’s license. Further, the bill also requires the State Board to request a criminal records check every five years. The intent of this bill is to protect children and school districts from teachers who have left school districts because of inappropriate behavior with children in other school districts. I voted “yes. The bill passed 93-0. There was no opponent testimony in committee.
Substitute House Bill 96 creates the new offense of Criminal Trespass on a Place of Public Amusement. It establishes a 1st degree misdemeanor for people who interrupt sporting events at places of public amusement. The Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Cavaliers all testified in favor of this legislation. This bill is in response to an increased number of incidents involving fans at sporting events. I voted “yes”. The bill passed 87-6.
Finally, on Wednesday, the House passed Substitute House Bill 105 requiring school districts to offer physical education in grades k-12. The bill also requires the Department of Education to provide school districts with access to research that will help them develop instructional objectives for physical education. I voted “yes”. The bill passed 93-1.
Tuesday, June 14th, the House passed Substitute House Bill 203, otherwise known as Jared’s law. Substitute House Bill 203 is inspired by the tragic death of a six year old boy who was killed when a 290 pound folding table fell over and stuck him in the head. The table had previously been identified as dangerous. The bill requires the Department of Health to create the School Health and Safety Network. This Network is charged with identifying and correcting conditions hazardous to public health and safety present in school buildings. I voted “yes”. The bill passed.
Additionally, Tuesday, June 14th the House passed Amended House Bill 140, which permits an industry representative to purchase sample servings of their products at a tavern or restaurant for a customer in that establishment for their own marketing purposes. This practice is allowed under federal law and Ohio law is silent on this issue. The bill passed unanimously. I voted “yes”.
Amended Senate Bill 124, exempts 10 boards and commissions from the sunset review committee and re-affirms the intentions of Amended Substitute House Bill 216 from the last General Assembly. This bill modifies the existing Subrogation Rights Commission, created in Senate Bill 80, so that it may convene immediately, and report its findings by December 31, 2005. I voted “yes”. The bill passed.
Amended Senate Bill 128 adds one Judge to the general division of the Butler County Court of Common Pleas for a term beginning January 3, 2007. This Judge was added as a result of the growth in the county and resulting case load. I voted “yes”. The bill passed.
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