Senate Passes Bills Honoring American Heroes
With spring beginning to bloom, the Upper Chamber of the Ohio Legislature has been hard at work on behalf of the people. Every issue, no matter how big or small, is brought to the floor of the Ohio Senate each time it is in session. From modernizing our state’s insurance laws, improving school safety, and honoring the sacrifice and service of those who gave their lives for the freedoms we hold dear, the Ohio Senate continues its work to serve The Heart of It All.
The Ohio Senate began with three moments of silence in honor of three members of the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing who lost their lives on March 12th in western Iraq when their KC-135 Refueling tanker collided with another refueling Plane:
- Captain Curtis J. Angst
- Captain Seth R. Koval
- US Air Force Tech Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons
A moment of silence was also held in honor of former State Representative Helen Rankin, who served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1978 to 1994. Representative Rankin made history as the first African American woman to serve in the Ohio Legislature.
The Ohio Senate concurred on Senate Bill 244. This legislation, sponsored by Senator Timken and Senator Roegner, designates August 26th as “Abbey Gate Remembrance Day” in honor of the 13 service members who lost their lives protecting civilians and their fellow service members following a terrorist attack on Hamid Karzai International Airport on August 26th, 2021.
The following legislation was passed by the Senate on Wednesday:
- House Bill 730: This legislation makes capital reappropriations for fiscal years 2027-2028, ensuring that state funding will continue for previously approved capital projects.
- Senate Bill 214: Sponsored by Senator Koehler, removes firearm mufflers and suppressers from the classification of a dangerous ordinance, aligning the state with changes made in the federal "Big Beautiful Bill." As Senator Koehler relayed on the senate floor, “A suppressor is no more dangerous than noise canceling earbuds. Like a suppressor, they protect my ears. What they don’t do is protect the ears of pets or neighbors. A suppressor does those things. It protects not only me, but those around me.”
- Senate Bill 254: Sponsored by Senator Craig and Senator Wilson, the bill changes the designation of Ohio Deaf History Month to April, aligning with National Deaf History Month.
- Senate Bill 302: Sponsored by Senator Johnson, creates the “Land of U.S. Grant” license plate, honoring Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of The United States and a native son of Ohio.
- Senate Bill 306: Sponsored by Senator Lang, updates and streamlines Ohio’s insurance laws, allowing Ohio to retain the competitive insurance marketplace that is key to the state’s economy. As Senator Lang said on the Senate floor, “the changes contained within this bill will help ensure that Ohio remains a premier state for insurance, which will continue to yield benefits for both businesses and consumers.”
- Senate Bill 318: Sponsored by Senator Cutrona, allows township police to enter into a contract with local private schools to provide them with a school resource officer. As Senator Cutrona said during his sponsor testimony, “This legislation is fundamental in ensuring that our children are kept safe. SROs are integral to a safe learning environment and often act as mentors to the youth.”
- Senate Bill 334: Sponsored by Senator Cirino, the bill honors an American hero by designating a portion of I-480 in Cuyahoga County as “Officer Jacob J. Derbin Memorial Highway.” 23 year-old Officer Derbin was tragically killed in the line of duty on May 11, 2024, when he was ambushed and shot by a suspect while responding to an emergency call.
As always, the Upper Chamber continues its mission to be of, for, and by the people.