OML UPDATE AT-A-GLANCE
Here are the resources compiled this weekend for Ohio's municipal leaders:
- The League and the Ohio Municipal Attorneys Association (OMAA) hosted a webinar Friday on Employment Law related to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. You can access the updated PDF of the PowerPoint presentation HERE, which now includes the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) that was signed into law last week by President Trump. You can also access an FAQ from the webinar HERE .
- The League and the OMAA have also compiled a partial list bullet-pointing employment and labor issues currently facing public employers due to the continuing changes and challenges presented by COVID-19. You can access this list HERE .
OHIO UNDER "STAY-AT-HOME" ORDER, NONESSENTIAL BUSINESSES DIRECTED TO CEASE OPERATIONS WITH EXCEPTIONS FOR TELEWORKING
As of Monday, March 23, there were 442 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 6 deaths. A total of 104 people have been hospitalized.
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton has signed a "Stay at Home" order for all of Ohio. The order will go into effect on Monday, March 23, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2020, unless rescinded or modified.
Ohioans are allowed to leave their homes only for essential activities for healthy and safety, necessary supplies and services, outdoor activities, work deemed "essential" and for taking care of others.
The order directed all nonessential businesses to cease operations except where employees can work from home. Businesses deemed "essential" will remain in operation under the order. You can read the order in full, including which details which businesses are deemed essential HERE
. You can access a FAQ about the order HERE
.
In addition, Gov. DeWine has also closed playgrounds and daycares that lack a "Temporary Pandemic Child Care license." The Ohio State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy also passed a rule limiting the
prescr
iption of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for purposes of COVID-19 under new, stricter guiltiness to prevent the stockpiling of these drugs.
LEGISLATURE TO VOTE ON COVID-19 MEASURES, OTHER ISSUES
This week, both the Ohio House and Senate are expected to vote on COVID-19 related measures as well as capital reappropriations and a temporary fix for school voucher eligibility that is still under discussion.
The coronavirus-related legislation is expected to align the Ohio tax filing day with the new federal deadline, July 15, as well as revising open meeting requirements. It is possible the bill could also establish a primary election. It is not clear if the legislature will establish a vote-by-mail dealing on April 28, or will take the path suggested by Secretary of State Frank LaRose and allow in-person voting on June 2.
It is still being discussed if the legislature will also move on the ongoing EdChoice Scholarship Program issue. If the General Assembly does not act before April 1, the number of schools eligible for EdChoice vouchers will dramatically increase. Another education issue could be taken up by the legislature as Senate President Obhof (R - Medina) has suggested doing away with mandated tests for both primary and secondary education students in light of the ongoing school closures.
The League will continue to update our members on any actions taken by the legislature.
