d.j. swearingen
Ohio lawmakers propose ban on city curfews, saying they ‘cater to criminals,’ hurt businesses
State lawmakers in Ohio have proposed a ban on curfews, leaving local governments feelings exasperated by a lack of options against the rise in gun violence. Cities have implemented curfews for decades now in an attempt to curb crime or stop protests from taking place — most recently in Columbus. After continuous shootings in the […]
Ohio lawmakers propose ban on TikTok, other apps with Chinese ownership
Some Ohio lawmakers want to prohibit state employees from using apps like TikTok on their state-issued devices. The proposal echoes legislation already advanced in numerous states. According to an analysis from the website Government Technology, 30 states have so far moved to place some kind of ban on the app for state-owned devices. At the […]
Ohio House committee advances amendment supermajority provision and elections bill
An Ohio House committee advanced two controversial voting measures Monday without additional debate, one to raise the threshold for constitutional amendments to 60% and the other for various election administration provisions. The 7-5 Republican-to-Democratic party line votes put both proposals on track for a full House vote later this week. In previous hearings, numerous speakers […]
House Republicans want schools to tell parents about ‘sexually explicit content’
Two Ohio House Republicans introduced legislation last week that would force school boards to disclose to parents all “sexually explicit content” taught in the classroom. At parents’ request, teachers would need to provide students with alternative instruction that doesn’t include this sexually explicit content. The legislation — introduced by Republicans Sara Carruthers and D.J. Swearingen […]
Delaware County judge allows part of case against Google to proceed
Attorney General Dave Yost hailed a Delaware County judge’s decision last week in his case against Google. But the preliminary decision on the search giant’s motion to dismiss was only a partial victory for the state — an invitation to make its case that Google should be regulated as a common carrier. Common carriers have […]
Bail reformers call on familiar evidence to advocate against reliance on cash bail
The day after Ohio House leaders put the brakes on cash bail-centric legislation, a different, long-simmering bail reform measure got it’s third hearing in committee. The measures offer alternative approaches to protecting public safety, and their supporters are invoking some of the same cases to make their point. When the proponents of the cash bail […]
House leaders press pause on cash bail provisions
A proposal directing judges to consider public safety when setting cash bail is in limbo after House leaders backtracked on holding a floor vote. The provisions — one statutory and one meant for the ballot — faltered because some Republican members want to see a broader bail reform measure pass alongside them. “There was discussion […]
‘Public safety’ measures that could expand cash bail racing through House
Legislation meant to reverse a state supreme court decision on how judges set bail is progressing rapidly in the Ohio House. The measures could make their way to the floor this week, despite being introduced just 10 days ago. The plan would direct judges to weigh public safety when determining the dollar value for bail. […]
Lawmakers roll out proposed constitutional amendment that could increase cash bail
Ohio Republicans may be lining up behind a constitutional amendment requiring judges to consider public safety when setting the amount of bail. The proposal is going before lawmakers as a joint resolution backed by Reps. Jeff LaRe, R-Violet Township, and D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, in the House and Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Huron, in the Senate. They […]
LGBTQ icon Jim Obergefell announces Ohio House bid
Jim Obergefell, whose lawsuit established marriage equality in the United States, is running for an Ohio House seat. The Sandusky native announced his bid for the 89th District Tuesday morning. In the current map, the district covers the coast in Erie and Ottawa Counties, and Obergefell put protecting Lake Erie front and center in his […]
Ohio ballots will list party affiliations for top judicial candidates
A change to Ohio’s ballot rules could impact key Supreme Court races in 2022 and influence the leaning of the state’s highest court for years to come. Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill into law Thursday that will list candidates’ party affiliations on ballots for certain judicial races. This will include races for the Ohio […]
Relief funding will make big difference in Ohio cities, leaders say
Every incorporated community in Ohio, from Aberdeen to Zoar, is set to receive at least some relief funding through the American Rescue Plan. The largest chunks are headed to metropolitan areas, whose leaders say the relief will play a major role in helping big cities navigate the pandemic recovery while dealing with other crises such […]