Lawmakers have proposed numerous pieces of important legislation that impact individuals throughout Ohio, such as major criminal justice reform, an overhaul of the state education system, and changes in Ohio’s voting laws; however, for every major policy proposal is an obscure one that tends to go overlooked.
House Bill (HB) 379, sponsored by State Representative Phillip Robinson Jr. (D-Solon), pitched a new “Weirdo Cat Lovers of Cleveland” license plate, which supports an organization that helps cat owners and their feline companions.
Proceeds from the $15 contribution collected from individuals who register their vehicle with the license plate would go to the “Weirdo Cat Lovers of Cleveland” organization which would use the money to “further their mission of assisting pet parents with emergency veterinary bills for their feline companions, providing food and litter to those in economic need, and controlling feral cat populations through the process of trap-neuter-return to the community,” the bill states.
“Don’t let the group’s quirky name distract you from the good work they do in our state,” Robinson said.
The bill is currently in the House Transportation and Public Safety Committee.
HB 623, a bipartisan bill sponsored by State Representatives Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland) and Thomas Patton (R-Strongsville), aimed to designate November 18th as “Christmas Story Family Day” for the date in 1983 that the movie “A Christmas Story” was released in theaters.
The bill is currently in the House State and Local Government Committee.
Senate Bill (SB) 164, sponsored by Senators Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) and Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights), attempts to prevent pet food from containing the remains of dead cats and dogs.
The call for change sparked years ago, in part by a previous Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recall and investigation after the euthanasia drug, pentobarbital, was found in several brands. An FDA spokesperson at the time said there is a no-tolerance policy for the drug in pet food.
“Not only is this act morbid, it’s injurious for pets to consume. The animal remains still contain the chemicals contained in euthanasia, causing pets to ingest these harmful chemicals,” Representative Thomas Brinkman (R-Mt. Lookout) said.
The bill is currently in the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee.
SB 278, sponsored by State Representative Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park), looked to make the sugar cookie Ohio’s official state cookie.
Third-grade students at All Saints School in Cincinnati pitched lawmakers a simple recipe of sugar, flour, butter, eggs, and vanilla after their research revealed that Ohio lacked an official cookie.
However, Ohio lawmakers failed for the fourth time since 2019 to carry the state sugar cookie bill over the finish line due to concerns that the ingredients include butter rather than a butter substitute.
HB 423, sponsored by state Representatives Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) and Bob Young (R-Green), designates the All-American Soap Box Derby as Ohio’s official gravity racing program adding it to the list of state symbols. Since 1934, Ohio has been the home of the All-American Soap Box Derby championships.
“The Derby is an integral part of the community, creating an educational, economic, and social boost for the area and those involved,” Roemer said.
The bill passed in the State House and State Senate and waits for Governor Mike DeWine‘s signature.
Although lawmakers have considered many bills, if a piece of legislation dies before the end of the year, it can be introduced again next session.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Ohio Capitol” by Joseph. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
