Senate Approves Bill to Increase Legislative Oversight of Public Health Orders

COLUMBUS—State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) today announced the Senate passage of Senate Bill 22, which provides additional legislative oversight for public health orders in response to executive actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would establish the bi-partisan, bicameral Ohio Health Oversight and Advisory Committee. The Committee would provide legislative oversight regarding actions taken by the Governor and the Ohio Department of Health during a statewide public health emergency. "The unilateral actions taken by the executive branch during the COVID-19 pandemic are not aligned with the system of checks and balances that is fundamental in our system of government," said Roegner. "I am proud to once again join my Senate colleagues in taking long overdue steps to regain oversight of public health orders so that we can represent the best interests of our constituents and local businesses. The bill sets a limit of 90 days for the duration of a state of emergency which can only be extended by an act of the legislature. It also permits the General Assembly to adopt a resolution to terminate a public health state of emergency after thirty days, and may rescind a related executive order or rule eleven days after the initial emergency declaration is made. If a health order is rescinded, it may not be reissued for thirty days. Senate Bill 22 will now be sent to the Ohio House for consideration.