Ohio Senate Passes Roegner Bill Recognizing Space Force

COLUMBUS— The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 154, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), which will update the definition of the armed forces, armed services, and uniformed services of the United States to include the U.S. Space Force.

The United States Space Force was established as a branch of the military on December 20, 2019. Their primary mission is to "secure our Nation’s interest in, from, and to space.”

"This legislation will ensure that members of the Space Force are eligible to receive the same benefits and protections as those in other branches," said Roegner. "It will ultimately better the lives of our neighbors who have sworn to protect us." 

The Department of Defense testified in support of the bill, saying in committee “the Department of Defense is grateful for Ohio's continued support for our service members and their families.  We are very grateful to Senator Roegner for her interest in addressing this issue..." adding “Ohio is home to almost 600 Space Force Guardians and family members. The provisions of SB154 will help these members retain eligibility for services by aligning the state's definition of Armed Forces with Title 10 United States Code to include Space Force.”

Senate Bill 154 clarifies that members and or spouses of the Space Force: 

• May receive a temporary or regular license or certificate to practice a trade or profession if the licensing authority elects and specified requirements are met and,
• Are entitled to enjoy the same tax benefits as other branches (deadline extension, state income tax waived if member dies in line of duty, etc.) and, 
• Are guaranteed the right to reemployment in their civilian jobs if they leave that job to perform in the uniformed service

Senate Bill 154 now heads to the Ohio House for consideration.