From The Statehouse 2005 No. 21
by Jennifer Garrison
Jul. 5, 2005
From the Statehouse Article 21
Last week my entire column was dedicated to reporting on the budget. However, the following other bills also passed out of the House.
Substitute House Bill 234 permits high school students who are 17 years of age and seniors in high school to be Election Day poll workers. The bill is permissive on a school district-- meaning the school districts decide if they want to participate in the program. The bill requires the school districts to set standards for participation, such as having a certain grade point average. If a student becomes a poll worker on Election Day, that day will be considered an excused absence and count toward the minimum daily state attendance requirements. I believe this will instill in students the importance of voting. I voted “yes”. The bill passed.
House Bill 265 allows the Probate court discretion to admit a will to probate if there exist harmless error in the execution of the will. The standard is clear and convincing evidence which is the most stringent standard and a hearing is required with all interested persons receiving notice. The Ohio State Bar Association supported giving Probate Judges discretion when the intent of the person executing the will is clear. The bill passed. I voted “yes”.
House Bill 246 allows a surviving spouse to take a motorcycle as one of the two automobiles that he/she can take outside of probate. The bill passed overwhelmingly. I voted “yes”
Substitute House Bill 241 adopts the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission’s recommendations for revising the state’s Forfeiture laws. These cover forfeitures for corrupt activity, drug offenses, gang activity, Medicare fraud, and contraband. Under Substitute House Bill 241, the types of property subject to forfeiture include contraband used in a felony or misdemeanor, the proceeds of any felony or misdemeanor, and any instrumentality used in a felony or misdemeanor. This legislation also creates a new penalty to address the crime of transferring, hiding, or diminishing the value of property subject to forfeiture. The bill passed. I voted “yes”.
House Bill 209 would allow community arts centers to serve alcohol at their events such as gallery openings and music performances. This legislation also would allow them to rent the facility space to others for receptions. Fine art museums currently have this privilege. This legislation places community art centers on an even playing field. I voted “yes”. The bill passed.
Substitute House Bill 108 allows certain victims of a motor vehicle accident to receive the same rights as those under the Victim’s Rights Law. I voted “yes”. The bill passed.
Substitute House Bill 87 expands the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Physician Recruitment Program to include nurses so as to increase access to health care in state correctional institutions. I voted “yes”. The bill passed.
Currently, the law allows county sheriffs to receive fees that can be added as court costs in civil, criminal and traffic proceedings performed for services provided by police officers in a specific case. House Bill 226 allows a municipal corporation to recoup their costs in the same way as the county sheriff’s office. The bill passed overwhelmingly. I voted “yes”.
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