Week in Review November 17, 2025

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This report reflects the latest happenings in government relations, in and around the Ohio statehouse. You’ll notice that it’s broad in nature and on an array of topics, from A-Z. This will be updated on a weekly basis.

Please feel free to share it with anyone else you believe may find it of interest, as well. Also, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions, concerns or if we can be of any assistance.

ARTS, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Artists and organizations can now apply for a variety of grants from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). Additional opportunities include those offered through the Kennedy Center's Access/VSA International Network, OAC said in a news release. Grant applications for the various programs are HERE.

CIVIL RIGHTS

Same-sex marriage precedent set in the case named for an Ohioan who wanted his name on his late husband's death certificate will not be reconsidered by the U.S. Supreme Court this term. Justices issued an order Monday denying the request to hear Davis v. Ermold, a case asking the Supreme Court to revisit Obergefell v. Hodges.

EDUCATION

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) announced two separate administrative rule amendment packages Monday during its monthly public meeting. The first concerns calculations of student attendance rates and the second addresses K-12 education standards. Both administrative rule packages are being reviewed as part of the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review's (JCARR) required five-year review cycle, according to John VanNorman, DEW's chief legal counsel, who presented the proposed amendments in the meeting.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife (DOW) Chief Kendra Wicker was recently named chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) Executive Committee. Wicker was appointed to a one-year term in the role.

During its final meeting of 2025 on Thursday, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) approved a new administrative rule following HB15 (Klopfenstein) that will allow OFCC to cover school district improvement projects that use solar panels. HB15 established the "School Energy Performance Contracting Loan Fund Program," which LSC bill analysis says allows a board of education of a city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school district to apply to OFCC for a loan from the fund to pay all or part of an energy conservation measure installment payment contract.

The Broadcast Educational Media Commission (BEMC) swore in a new commission chair and welcomed another new commissioner Thursday as BEMC laid out priorities for its capital budget request next year in the face of shrinking federal and state funding for public media. Thursday's BEMC meeting was the first for the commission's new chair, Jim Otte, who replaced former Chair Matt Dole in September.

ELECTIONS 2025

Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) was unsuccessful in her bid to unseat Cleveland Councilman Joe Jones, unofficial election results show. According to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, Brent received about 37 percent of the vote in Cleveland Council's Ward 1, compared to Jones' 63 percent. Other former legislators were more successful.

ELECTIONS 2026

Businessman Fred Ode announced Friday that he will not run for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in 2026. In a statement, he said he was "stepping back from the Senate race, but the fight continues."

Secretary of State Frank LaRose Wednesday announced that his office's interactive "Find My District" tool has been updated to help Ohioans identify both their current and newly established congressional districts where candidates will run in 2026 and which will be in effect through 2032.

The following endorsements were made over the week:

• Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon), Senate President Pro Tempore Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) and Sens. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland), and Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) endorsed Steve Demetriou for Ohio Senate.

• The gubernatorial campaign of Democrat Amy Acton announced the endorsement of Reynoldsburg Auditor-elect Shanette Strickland.

• The gubernatorial campaign of Republican Vivek Ramaswamy announced the endorsements of former U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, former U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, and former Gov. Bob Taft

• The gubernatorial campaign of Democrat Amy Acton announced the endorsements of former Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison and Ohio Rep. Ismail Mohamed (D-Columbus).

ENERGY/UTILITIES

State regulators dug AES Ohio out of a $168 million rut Wednesday with the unanimous support of the Office of Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) and a dozen other parties including the city of Dayton Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) staff, awarding Dayton-area customers "some of the lowest rates in the state." AES entered the distribution rate case with a serious revenue deficiency and a negative rate of return (ROR), originally seeking a PUCO-approved increase of $235 million.

The Ohio Supreme Court recently held oral arguments on a case involving challenges to Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approval of rate increase for Columbia Gas of Ohio.

FEDERAL

Congress reached a deal to end the federal government shutdown this week, agreeing to legislation that will generally fund the government through January of next year and provide full FFY26 funding for a few programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

GAMING/GAMBLING

Gov. Mike DeWine Monday praised Major League Baseball (MLB) after Commissioner Rob Manfred announced MLB and gaming companies have agreed to significantly restrict micro-prop bets. MLB announced that effective immediately on Monday, all MLB Authorized Gaming Operators will cap wagers on pitch-level markets at $200 and exclude those bets from parlays. This follows DeWine's July request that MLB and other sports leagues take action after two Cleveland Guardians pitchers were placed on leave, allegedly for betting irregularities involving micro-prop bets.

The Ohio Lottery Commission (OLC) met Wednesday and approved four scratch-off games, which range in price from $1 to $30 and have an approximate on-sale date of March 31, 2026.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY/STATEHOUSE

Wednesday’s House session included passage of HB21 (King), setting parameters for health care sharing ministries; HB251 (Willis), regarding use of drones by law enforcement; HB213 (K. Miller-Salvo), naming part of I-70 for Tuscarawas Valley Schools students and chaperones killed in a traffic crash in 2023; HB253 (John-Young), regarding licensure for advanced practice respiratory therapists; HB311 (E. White-Hoops), designating the third week in May as “EMS Week in Ohio”; HB377 (Deeter), regarding laser hair removal; HB381 (Abrams-Ghanbari), to create the “DoItForJack” license plate; HB462 (Richardson), regarding student use of nasal epinephrine; and SB148 (Cirino), to name part of Rt. 2 in Lake County for Spec. Lloyd Andrew Sellers. Legislation to increase county contributions to Memorial Day observances, HB297 (Ritter-Newman) was informally passed because one of the sponsors, Rep. Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta), was ill and could not attend session for the day. The chamber also concurred with Senate changes to HB10 (Klopfenstein-Daniels), regarding imitation egg and meat products.

Wednesday’s Senate session included passage of SB174 (Gavarone), regarding domestic relations law; HCR20 (Dovilla-Santucci), HCR21 (Schmidt) and HCR23 (Newman-Mathews), resolutions marking the 250th anniversary of various military branches; HB124 (Thomas-Hall), regarding property tax sales-assessment ratio studies; SB251 (Brenner), to name part of Rt. 13 in Knox County for highway patrol Lt. Vance M. Andrews; SB276 (Roegner), to join Ohio to the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists: and SB295 (Manning-Patton), regarding competency restoration in criminal cases.

House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) told reporters Wednesday the uncertainty around Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits has been "outrageous" and while he is glad partial benefits were now being distributed in Ohio, "we need to make sure that they get their full benefits."

Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) pitched the Senate Health Committee on Wednesday about his proposal to let some people with "run of the mill" respiratory conditions get their treatment at the pharmacy counter. He fielded some questions from the three doctor-legislators serving on the committee and expressed willingness to pare back the bill to meet their concerns. Under SB230, pharmacists could conduct screenings, order and administer lab tests, evaluate results and provide treatment for influenza, strep throat, COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory conditions specified in rule by the Board of Pharmacy.

The House Judiciary Committee heard a range of proponent and opponent testimony Wednesday on HB338 (Johnson-Plummer), which increases the penalty for assaulting or causing the death of certain victims at state and local correctional institutions and makes other policy and procedural changes. The bill follows the murder of Ross Correctional Institution (RCI) Officer Andy Lansing.

The House General Government Committee adopted a substitute bill Thursday for legislation revising occupational licensure requirements, restoring several licenses previously slated for elimination.

The House Technology and Innovation Committee heard sponsor testimony Thursday from Rep. Mark Hiner (R-Howard) on HB563, a bill targeting fraudulent event ticket sales, with Chair Thad Claggett (R-Newark) suggesting the bill be expanded to counter other forms of online fraud.

In other legislative action, House Energy Committee reported out SB103 (Wilkin), regarding alternative rate plans for natural gas companies to serve large load customers; House Public Safety Committee reported out HB102 (Klopfenstein-Williams), regarding sex offender residency limits; HB492 (Ray-Abrams), regarding interfering with arrests; and HB519 (White), regarding devices used in vehicle theft; Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee reported out HB29 (Humphrey-John), regarding inmate access to feminine hygiene products; House Education Committee reported out HB486 (Click-Dovilla), regarding instruction on the influence of Christianity on history and culture; House Local Government Committee reported out HB397 (Deeter-Johnson), regarding the use of jail commissary profits; and House Veterans and Military Development Committee reported out HR243 (Richardson-Ghanbari), urging selection of Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base as home of KC-46 Pegasus refueling aircraft.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) ping-ponged between plans to pay full or partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to Ohioans as the landscape shifted in what turned out to be the final days of the lengthy government shutdown. At the end of last week, ODJFS said it was preparing for full payments after a federal judge’s order, but appeals put that plan on hold, and in the middle of this week the agency began distributing reduced allotments under guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). But on Thursday, after President Donald Trump signed legislation ending the shutdown, USDA directed states to move quickly to starting paying full benefits.

Immediate in-person help for youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis is now operating statewide, Gov. Mike DeWine said last week. Prior to this expansion, the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) program was only available in 56 Ohio counties. MRSS is free for children and young adults up to age 20 who are experiencing mental, emotional, or behavioral distress. "When it comes to our children, we have no time to lose," said DeWine in a prepared statement. "Far too many are struggling with their mental health, and parents and caregivers don't know where to turn when their child needs help. MRSS provides that immediate help to all young people, no matter where in Ohio they live." Within 60 minutes of requesting MRSS through the 988 suicide and crisis telephone line, a team of trained professionals, including a licensed clinician, will respond wherever the youth is located, according to the statement.

The rate of increase of the cost of basic necessities like housing, child care and food is outpacing income for many Ohioans. Additionally, total health care spending in the U.S. rose 7.5 percent in 2023 alone, adding pressure on the nearly 40 percent of Ohio households described as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed -- ALICE. According to the Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO), ALICE is a tool developed by the United Way to describe the challenges of working families who cannot afford basic necessities despite having a job and earning above the federal poverty level.

Ohio ranks second among neighboring states and just outside the top 10 of all 50 states in the recently released State of Mental Health in America report from Mental Health America (MHA) on the prevalence of mental illness and access to care. MHA says the report attempts to offer insights to drive policy, improve care and support people living with mental health conditions across the country.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) held a press conference Thursday highlighting Ohio's school-based health center program, hosted by ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, with presentations by Dr. Mary Kay Irwin and Dr. Sara Bode, both with Nationwide Children's Hospital.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Ohio State University (OSU) recently announced Erik Porfeli, professor and chair of the Department of Human Sciences, as interim dean of the College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) starting January 2026, pending board approval. He will serve in this position through June 2028.

The Controlling Board Monday approved $1.2 million in funds for Central State University (CSU), which had originally sought $4 million to make repairs and upgrades to buildings on its campus. Funds approved by the board Monday included repairs to a fire suppression system in a dorm that has not functioned for nearly a year. Rep. Mike Dovilla (R-Berea), who held the item, asked CSU Board of Trustees Chair Jacqueline Gamblin how the request came to this point. Gamblin explained that they had partnered with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to help identify critical issues with their facilities. The state agency came to the campus to do a review and helped to identify a number of items that needed attention.

HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS

The Ohio Department of Development (DOD) recently announced details and guidelines for the upcoming round of the Welcome Home Ohio program, which expands affordable housing opportunities statewide. Under the program, participants receive funds to purchase qualifying residential properties at foreclosure sales and to rehabilitate or construct homes. The guidelines are available HERE.

While the rate of homeownership in Ohio increased in 2024, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) still sees a need for more affordable and accessible housing options for low- to middle-income Ohioans, among other demographics, according to the agency's FY26 Housing Needs Assessment. Homeownership in Ohio is on the rise, as the state reached its highest homeownership rate in 2024 (70 percent) since 2010. That follows a period between 2020 and 2022 when the state's homeownership rate dipped to a historic nadir (64 percent). But as homeownership has increased, so has the state's median home price, which reached a record high of $198,183 in 2024 as the average annual rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was at a near-record high of 6.7 percent.

INSURANCE

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), part of the Ohio Department of Insurance, is helping Ohioans navigate Medicare's open enrollment, now through Sunday, Dec. 7. During this period, Ohioans can review their current coverage and make plan selections for 2026. Ohioans can find the schedule of in-person events, organized by county, as well as virtual event options HERE.

JUDICIAL

Veteran Treatment Courts along with Substance Abuse and Mental Illness (SAMI) and OVI dockets now have until Friday, Dec. 5 to apply for a special funding opportunity for new and upgraded case management systems for standardizing case processing and data collection. Grant applications are HERE.

The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear American Electric Power (AEP) and FirstEnergy's appeal of a 6th Circuit decision upholding the state of Ohio's power to mandate participation in the 13-state regional transmission organization (RTO) PJM Interconnection and probit utility "adder" charges as a kind of utility incentive, saving Ohio ratepayers more than $400 million by 2031. The Supreme Court quietly declined Ohio utilities' request for certiorari Monday after the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), Office of Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) filed briefs in September opposing FirstEnergy and AEP's request to overturn the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

MARIJUANA/HEMP

The congressional deal that ended the lengthy federal government shutdown included new restrictions on hemp products. The Ohio Healthy Alternatives Association, a hemp business trade group, urged federal lawmakers to revisit the issue and state lawmakers to arrive at a compromise on SB56 (Huffman) that creates a regulated market rather than wipes out businesses.

House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) told reporters he believes federal changes on intoxicating hemp that may be passed as part of legislation to re-open the government could "significantly affect" what comes out of the SB56 (S. Huffman) conference committee.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife (DOW) Chief Kendra Wicker was recently named chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) Executive Committee. Wicker was appointed to a one-year term in the role.

PENSIONS

Appellate judges have decided for the second time that they will not let a new governance structure for the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) take effect while a legal battle over it continues.

The Ohio Retirement Study Council (ORSC) Thursday voted to remain neutral on proposed legislation that would prohibit a public employer from paying employee contributions to a state retirement system. The legislation -- HB473 (D. Thomas) -- bans the arrangements, also referred to as pick-ups. By voting unanimously to remain neutral on the legislation, ORSC followed a staff recommendation presented at the meeting by senior researcher Jeffery Bernard, who said ORSC's independent consulting actuary sees no actuarial impact on any of the retirement systems. He further said whether member contributions are derived from employer funds or employee funds has no bearing on the level of member benefits.

POLITICS

The Ohio Republican Party (Ohio GOP) announced Monday it has launched a new "Digital First" website that it said will be the official home base for Ohio's Republican movement. Designed to reach all 88 counties, OhioGOP.org provides Ohioans with an interactive hub to find local events, sign up for communications, explore endorsed candidates, and join the effort to elect a Republican slate in 2026, the state party said.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Tis the season for young creativity and the Ohio State Highway Patrol's (OSHP) annual Holiday Card Contest. The patrol is once again accepting art submissions from children up to 12 years old for OSHP Superintendent Col. Charles Jones' official holiday card to be featured in its quarterly Flying Wheel magazine and displayed on its social media accounts. Submissions are due Saturday, Nov. 15. Contest details are HERE.

REDISTRICTING/REAPPORTIONMENT

In an op-ed published Monday in the Cincinnati Enquirer, House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) described his vote for the new congressional maps as "one of the hardest" ones he's made since being elected to the Statehouse. He said he spent the night before volunteering at a local foodbank and called the expected surge in demand there due to lack of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits "a stark reminder about the consequences of our elections and control of the U.S. House."

TAXATION

House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) told reporters Wednesday the uncertainty around Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits has been "outrageous" and while he is glad partial benefits were now being distributed in Ohio, "we need to make sure that they get their full benefits."

TECHNOLOGY/AEROSPACE

Ohio topped the cybersecurity category of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) State Information Technology (IT) Recognition Awards for its Fraud Detection and Reporting (FDR) solution, according to the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS). FDR is a new approach to detecting suspicious activity in state systems.

TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE

A newly constituted Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) approved eight projects Thursday while receiving updates from staff on Ohio's passenger rail plan and a proposed merger between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific. The commission is now chaired by Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pam Boratyn. The biennial budget HB96 (Stewart) also removed a gubernatorial appointment who represents the interests of passenger rail service, and increased the number of members who represent the interests of freight rail from one to two.

VETERANS

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) recently announced the "Flags of Honor" rotating exhibit at the Ohio Statehouse, provided in partnership with the Motts Military Museum Inc. of Groveport. The exhibit commemorates Ohio military service personnel by highlighting the service and sacrifice of Ohio's men and women in uniform. The display, located in the south light court of the Capitol, features uniforms, equipment and personal artifacts from Ohio veterans. American and Ohio flags belonging to these service members during their tours of duty are also on view. Artifacts will be on display until July 31, 2026.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Business groups and unions for public safety forces say they're closing in on a deal to cover post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) outside the traditional workers' compensation system and are asking legislative leaders to use marijuana tax money to fund the endeavor. Police and fire groups have pressed lawmakers for years to authorize workers' compensation coverage for PTSI absent an accompanying physical injury. The General Assembly created a fund in the state treasury for such coverage and directed completion of an actuarial study via 133-HB308 (Patton).

[Story originally published in The Hannah Report. Copyright 2025 Hannah News Service, Inc.]