DeMora Condemns Tainted House Bill 114

Today, state Senator Bill DeMora (D-Colmbus) condemned the Senate’s passage of the tainted House Bill 114, which was amended this morning to include language that would allow President Biden to appear on the November ballot and previously unheard language regarding foreign spending in elections.

“Senate Republicans held us hostage by slapping completely irrelevant partisan nonsense onto this bill because they know it needs to pass. It is the worst kind of partisan politics that is only possible due to their illegally gerrymandered supermajority,” said DeMora. “Senate Bill 215, which much of this sub-bill is based on, is a blatant attack on Democracy, aimed to make it as difficult as possible for citizens to make their voices heard. This legislation won’t stop foreign contributions; it’s a bill meant to help Republicans win primary elections while hurting the people of Ohio who want to take an active role in the political process.”

House Bill 114, as passed by the House, was originally intended to permit candidates for state or local office to utilize campaign funds for child care. This move aligned Ohio with 29 other states and federal regulations. The changes made today in committee would limit this spending to children under the age of 12.

Also included were changes to delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates. However, for the bill to go into effect before the deadline passes, the legislation must be passed by both chambers and signed by the governor today at the latest.

Additionally, while the bill would prohibit candidates and ballot issue campaigns from knowingly receiving foreign contributions, the provision would be unenforceable without federal action to prohibit anyone or any group in any state from accepting foreign contributions.

The language also forces all local ballot issue committees to adhere to the same regulations as political action committees. This would make local ballot issues, such as proposed liquor law changes, zoning changes, or even a citizen-led initiative to install a stop sign at a dangerous intersection, vulnerable to fines starting at a minimum of $10,000.

Amended House Bill 114 now awaits a concurrence vote in the House.