Ohio House of Representatives [Source] Translate

The meeting commenced with a quorum present, followed by an opening prayer by Pastor Brian Solomon and the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests, including students and representatives from various organizations, were acknowledged. Representative Peterson introduced notable Ohio farmers, while Representative Sweeney honored BMX champion Huck Kerinsky for his advocacy in bike safety. Representative McClain recognized the Cardington FFA Parliamentary Procedure Chapter for their national championship win. Representative Manning presented resolutions for seventh-grade runner Baylene Bendick and the Avon High School football team, both of whom achieved significant victories. Representative Hoopes recognized the Liberty Center football team for their undefeated season. The meeting included personal privilege remarks, with Representative Davila honoring his aide, Jeremy Wald, for his contributions. Representative Schmidt emphasized heart health in light of American Heart Month. Representative Salvo recognized students from the Ohio Youth Lead Prevention Network, and Representative Joe Miller celebrated Toni Morrison Day. Representative Cecil Thomas honored his aide, Nana Achan, for her service. The meeting proceeded with the reading of the previous day's journal and the introduction of new bills, including House Bill 707 on child welfare and House Bill 708 for veterans' claims assistance. Reports from various committees recommended the passage of several bills with amendments. Representative Brennan reported on House Bill 500, and other representatives reported on various House Bills and Senate Bills, recommending their passage. The committee also recommended resolutions urging Congress to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and reform federal permitting policies, which were agreed to without objection. Representative Manning moved for the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 36 for a joint convention for the Governor's State of the State address, which passed with 94 votes. Motions to excuse members for absence during the week of February 18, 2026, were also agreed to. The meeting discussed amended Senate Bill 295, focusing on changes to competency restoration laws. Representatives Thomas and Sinnenberg supported the bill, while Representative Thames opposed it, citing constitutional concerns. The bill passed as an emergency measure with 86 votes. Substitute Senate Bill 9 was discussed, with Representative Romer advocating for its passage, highlighting its benefits for businesses and tax conformity. Concerns were raised about the bill's financial implications, leading to a vote that ultimately passed the bill without the emergency clause. House Resolution 304, supporting Ohio's proposal to the FAA for an electric vertical takeoff and landing pilot program, received unanimous support. House Bill 296, proposing a grace period for financial sanctions on individuals reentering society, passed with strong bipartisan support. House Bill 326, concerning the Classic Learning Test as an alternative college admissions test, passed despite opposition. House Bill 385, designating a portion of U.S. Route 22 as the Private First Class Thomas Tommy Pizzino Memorial Highway, passed unanimously. House Bill 472, waiving fees for identification cards for individuals experiencing homelessness, also passed with significant support. The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and a motion to adjourn until February 24, 2026, which was agreed upon without objection.