Huffman Announces Senate Passage of Bill Providing Accountability and Oversight of Public Health Orders
February 18, 2021
Stephen A. Huffman News
COLUMBUS— On Wednesday, State Senator Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) announced the Senate's passage of Senate Bill 22, legislation 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.
"This bill restores reasonable checks and balances that are crucial to the functioning of our government," said Senator Steve Huffman, who co-sponsored the bill. "It is important for the people to have a voice, and for the General Assembly to truly be able to represent their voice from district to district, across the state." The bill 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 If a health order is rescinded, it may not be reissued for thirty days.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.
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.
"This bill restores reasonable checks and balances that are crucial to the functioning of our government," said Senator Steve Huffman, who co-sponsored the bill. "It is important for the people to have a voice, and for the General Assembly to truly be able to represent their voice from district to district, across the state." The bill 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 If a health order is rescinded, it may not be reissued for thirty days.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.