December 9, 2022

The Ohio General Assembly may try to conclude its post-election “Lame Duck” session by the end of next week.

Getting a lot of time and attention are potential changes to Ohio election operations as well as increasing the required threshold for voter approval to make changes to the Ohio Constitution; however, in the midst of those efforts, dozens of other items are under consideration.

Note that any legislation that does not pass by the end of December must be re-drafted and start from scratch in January with the newly elected General Assembly. Below some of the legislative issues getting consideration that have been on the CMA’s policy agenda; however, clouds in the proverbial “crystal ball” prevent an accurate prediction of what bills will cross the finish line!

• HB 558: Repository for Donated Drugs. This bill would expand the ability of charitable pharmacies to accept donated medications. The bill passed the House and is getting Senate hearings in the Health Committee.

• HB 431 Stroke Registry. This bill to establish a statewide stroke registry database.

• HB 135: Co-Pay Accumulator. This bill helps patients with prescription coupons and insurance costs.

• HB 456: Decriminalizing Use of Fentanyl Testing Strips. The intent of this bill is to allow a way to test legal substances for fentanyl contamination.

• HB 492: Mental Health Training for High School Coaches. This bill has been supported as a way to support youth in may be in need of professional mental health services.

• HB 283: Distracted driving as primary offense. This bill is a step to trying to improve automobile use safety.

HB 454: Limit Transgender Care for Minors. Per earlier comments from House leaders, it appears this bill will not be taken up in 2022 and will need to be re-introduced in next General Assembly.

HB 151: “Save Women’s Sports”. While the requirement for a genital exam has been replaced with a birth certificate check; pediatricians continue to lead opposition to legislation that replaces current Ohio High School Athletic Association policy with law to govern determination in Ohio high school sports.

Abortion. There remains an expectation some legislation will pass that would attempt to amend the “heartbeat” standard legislation that would be intended to clarify when doctors can perform abortions to save the mother's life. Consistent with earlier public comments from the President of the Senate, it appears unlikely that lawmakers will ban abortion from the point of conception this year.

Franklin County Election Results: House District 5. Today, November 9, the Franklin County Board of Elections will conduct the official recount in the race between incumbent Democratic Representative Richard Brown and Republican Ronald Beach IV. The final official totals showed Brown ahead by just 145 votes, which requires the Board to conduct a recount. If Brown maintains his lead Republicans will start next session with a 67-32 supermajority in the Ohio House.

Finally, there are two items with the City of Columbus that has been on the CMA’s radar:

• A ban on flavored tobacco products has been introduced at Columbus City Council, where it has the support of Mayor Ginther and many on City Council. The CMA is part of a coalition of healthcare organizations that is supporting its passage.
• Legislation passed this week by City Council to related to firearm safety in Columbus. Provisions include
• Prohibit “Straw Man” Sales
• Require Safe Gun Storage w/ Minors Reasonably Expected to Have Access
• Prohibit Possession of Magazines Above 30 Rounds of Ammunition



This legislation faces court challenges based on state law that restricts local communities from implementing local laws that conflict with state law.

This bill was one of several that was discussed this week at the CMA’s Emerging Trends forum on firearm diseases and safety.

Malcolm Porter

Public Policy Consultant

for the CMA

About the CMA's Advocacy Newsletter

Malcolm Porter is a public policy and political affairs consultant. He has done policy and political advisory work for the Columbus Medical Association, and affiliate organizations for nearly 20 years. As a local medical society, CMA physicians have supported and participated in public policy development with traditional physician stakeholder organizations. Additionally, CMA physicians have been directly responsible for initiating individual pieces of legislation that were driven by their own agenda.

Any CMA physician is welcome to contact Malcolm directly with your questions or concerns.

Columbus Medical Association | 614-240-7410 | www.ColumbusMedicalAssociation.org

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