November 30

House Debates Provisions of Military Medal Law, Education Performance Ranking

Hannah Report 11/29/12

After a full slate of committee meetings in the past few days, the House gathered Thursday for its third session of the week. On the calendar were two issues that were hotly debated in committee and that debate continued on the House floor.

The first bill to be considered was HB532 (Kozlowski-Gonzales), which revised the law on the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction. Rep. Casey Kozlowski (R-Pierpont) explained that he introduced the bill after the family of Lance Cpl. Kevin Cornelius, who died in Afghanistan on Aug. 7, 2010, approached him.

Kozlowski said, in this case, Cornelius' Medal of Distinction went to his biological mother.

"Leaving his father with no medal to commemorate the life of his son they lost serving our country," said Kozlowski, who explained that the bill makes it so primary family members could obtain an additional medal at no extra cost in the case of a divorce or separation, or another individual is named next of kin. http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=191296

Split House Passes Report Card Bill With New A-F Grade System

The House on Thursday voted along party lines to pass a bill to revamp the state's report card for schools and districts, moving it to an A-F grading system.

Republicans maintained the new system would increase transparency and eliminate misleading and confusing aspects of the current methods. Minority members insisted the bill (HB 555 ) contains too many flaws to put forward now and urged delays for both passage and effective dates in the measure.

The legislation is intended for passage before the end of the year to comply with promises made in the state's waiver to the federal No Child Left Behind law.

House Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) said after session the Senate Education Committee chairwoman has been keeping tabs with House Education Chairman Rep. Gerald Stebelton (R-Lancaster) on HB555. "So they may be in pretty good shape over there; I just don't know," he said about any changes that could occur in the upper chamber.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=812310201

House Approves Bills To Amend Medal Of Distinction Law, Merge Medical Boards, Alter Chemical Dependency Panel

The House voted unanimously Thursday to pass legislation altering qualifications of the Military Medal of Distinction despite Democrats' objections to one of several riders the bill picked up in committee.

The chamber also approved Senate amendments to legislation to increase the penalty for assault against a health care professional (HB 62 ). The Senate passed the bill Tuesday and it next goes to the governor for his signature. (See Gongwer Ohio Report, November 27, 2012)

The House, however, voted unanimously to reject Senate changes and sent to conference committee a bill to change licensure for pediatric respite care programs and alter laws pertaining to cancer drug delivery and methadone treatment licensure (HB 367 ).

Rep. Ron Maag (R-Lebanon) insisted on the vote against concurrence and called for an expedited conference committee because of the time-sensitive nature of the bill. Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) said the committee would convene "soon, very soon."

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=812310202

Senate President Blocks Final ‘Heartbeat' Push With Parliamentary Moves

Days after Senate leadership announced it would not take-up abortion legislation during the lame duck session, President Tom Niehaus on Thursday blocked efforts to force a vote on the so-called "heartbeat bill," in a move that irked some bill proponents.

Exercising a parliamentary procedure, Sen. Niehaus (R-New Richmond) pushed to re-refer legislation (HB 128 ) that would ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected to the Senate Rules & Reference Committee.

Prior to that maneuver, he removed bill proponents Sens. Keith Faber (R-Celina) and Shannon Jones (R-Springboro) from the Rules Committee.

Down two members, the panel unanimously passed the measure, meaning that heartbeat legislation must now sit in the committee for at least 30 days under Senate rules and is effectively barred from reaching the floor before the end of the session.

"I don't expect to be here on December 29th," President Niehaus told reporters. "In my opinion it is effectively said that we are not going to take this bill up in the 129th General Assembly."

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=812310204

Niehaus Ethics Bill Gets First Senate Hearing

Leadership-sponsored legislation that would make multiple changes and updates to Ohio's ethics laws began movement in the Senate Thursday, with just two weeks left in the lame duck session.

Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond), who officially introduced the measure last week, offered sponsor testimony to members of the chamber's Government Oversight and Reform Committee. (See Gongwer Ohio Report, November 21, 2012)

The bill (SB 391 ), which the Senate President has touted as a "substantial revision" to the state's ethics laws, represents his last major legislative push before leaving the legislature at the end of December.

Despite its backing by the outgoing Senate president, Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) was fairly noncommittal when asked Thursday about his chamber's plans for the bill.

"We'll sure take a look at it," Speaker Batchelder said. "I think we're not going to be here very long, so we'll see what happens over there; I don't want to judge that at all. Obviously if the president of the Senate has introduced legislation on an important area like that, if we have the time, we would look at it."

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=812310206

November 29

Updated: 6:21 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012 | Posted: 6:21 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012

Backer of 'heartbeat' bill wants to force vote

By JULIE CARR SMYTH

The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio —

The chief advocate of a blocked Ohio bill that would impose the tightest abortion restriction in the nation vowed Wednesday to use a legislative maneuver to try to force a vote before year's end despite the Senate president's opposition.

A host of practical and political obstacles quickly arose that seemed destined to derail the effort.

Janet Folger Porter, president of the conservative action group Faith2Action, said she'll work to collect 17 Republican signatures on a discharge petition, which can be used to force the so-called "heartbeat bill" out of a committee.

"We've got three weeks to find 17 people with the courage to sign and say, 'Yeah, we're going to end abortion now,'" Porter said. "That's what they ran on, that's what they won on, and now we're just asking them to make good on their word."

http://www.daytondailynews.com/ap/ap/social-issues/snuffed-heartbeat-bill-backer-wants-forced-vote/nTHP4/

Updated: 3:26 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012 | Posted: 3:25 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012

GOP chooses Faber as next Ohio Senate president

The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio —

Republicans in the Ohio Senate have picked a new leader to replace their term-limited president.

State Sen. Keith Faber (FAY'-bur) will take over in January for current Senate President Tom Niehaus (NEE'-hows), who leaves his seat at the end of the year. Faber, of Celina (suh-LEYE'-nuh), has been in the Senate since 2007. He currently holds the chamber's No. 2 leadership position.

Other Republicans elected to leadership roles include Sen. Chris Widener of Springfield, Sen. Tom Patton of Strongsville and Sen. Larry Obhof (OHB'-hawf) of Medina.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/ap/ap/legislative/gop-chooses-faber-as-next-ohio-senate-president/nTHfd/

Ohio Senate: Republicans select Faber as new leader

By  Jim Siegel

The Columbus Dispatch Thursday November 29, 2012 5:50 AM

Sen. Keith Faber was elected yesterday by his GOP colleagues as the next president of the Ohio Senate.

Faber, a lawyer from Celina who joined the Ohio House in 2000 before moving to the Senate in 2007, has long been considered the front-runner to replace current President Tom Niehaus, who is term-limited at the end of the year. Faber, the current No. 2 GOP leader, will take over in January and can oversee the chamber for four years.

“We’re going to need to work on growing the economy and strengthening Ohio’s jobs environment,” he said of the focus next session.

Sen. Chris Widener of Springfield was chosen as the next president pro tempore, while Sens. Tom Patton of Strongsville and Larry Obhof Jr. of Medina will round out the Republican leadership team.

Meanwhile, House Republicans this week re-elected Speaker William G. Batchelder of Medina to his leadership post. The longest-serving member of the legislature has one term remaining.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/11/29/republicans-select-faber-as-new-leader.html

Niehaus draws a line

Published: November 28, 2012 - 07:12 PM

Niehaus draws a line November 29,2012 12:12 AM GMT Beacon Journal Publishing Co. Copyright � 2012 Beacon Journal Publishing Co. Inc and Black Press. All Rights Reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of the Akron Beacon Journal is expressly prohibited.

Tom Niehaus already had signaled his concerns about the “heartbeat bill.” On Tuesday, the Senate president shared his decision that the chamber would not take up the legislation banning abortion after the heartbeat of a fetus becomes detectable. Neither will the Senate use the lame-duck session to strike a funding blow against Planned Parenthood that would all but deny the organization federal money in Ohio.

Niehaus understands that the heartbeat bill would not pass the test of constitutionality, placing, as it does, an undue burden on abortion rights. He also explained that he looks “at the entirety of the work that’s done by Planned Parenthood” and rightly finds that it offers “much needed services that are not available other places.”

Here is an example of legislative leadership as it should be practiced, drawing lines with the interests of the whole foremost in mind. Unfortunately, Niehaus won’t return for the next legislative session. The next Senate president, Keith Faber, has made plain he won’t be so unfavorably inclined toward the “heartbeat bill” or to reducing funding for Planned Parenthood, and he will have a partner in a House led by Speaker William Batchelder.

So the Niehaus decision may amount to little more than a postponement.

Worth noting is that Niehaus did remind his colleagues that “we have been the most pro-life legislature in my memory.” The Republican majorities have moved to restrict the right to choose, government playing a more intrusive role in the private decisions of women. How much further will they go? The question is apt for John Kasich. The governor has joined his legislative allies so far. Is he ready to sign such an extreme measure as the “heartbeat bill”? Does he think it is wise policy to strip Planned Parenthood of federal money?

http://www.ohio.com/editorial/editorials/niehaus-draws-a-line-1.353706

State GOP now has 2 leaders from Medina County

Filed by David Knox November 29th, 2012 in News.

Medina County Gazette

Medina County now has two state legislators among the Republican leadership in the General Assembly.

State Sen. Larry J. Obhof Jr., R-Montville Township, was selected Wednesday to serve as majority whip in the Senate.

Obhof joins William G. Batchelder, R-Medina, who was renamed speaker of the House, among the top GOP officials in the Legislature.

“I am honored to have received the support of my colleagues in joining our leadership team,” Obhof said. “I look forward to working with all members of the Senate as we look to build on the progress made during this General Assembly in growing our economy and creating more job opportunities for Ohioans.”

http://medinagazette.northcoastnow.com/2012/11/29/ohio-gop-now-has-2-leaders-from-medina-county/

Faber Tapped as Next Senate President

Hannah Report 11/27/12

Members of the Senate Republican Caucus Wednesday elected Sen. Keith Faber (R-Celina) as Senate president for the 130th General Assembly. Faber will replace Sen. Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond), who is term-limited.

Faber will be the first legislator from Mercer County to serve as Senate president. The current Senate president pro tempore was first elected to the chamber in 2007 and he has been serving in leadership since 2009, starting as the majority floor leader.

"I'm humbled and honored to have the confidence of my colleagues in leading one of the most respected legislative institutions in the nation," said Faber in a statement. "I look forward to building on the progress we've already made in revitalizing our economy and getting Ohioans back to work. That will continue to be priority number one in the next General Assembly." http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=191283

 ‘Heartbeat Bill' Supporters Try To Bypass Niehaus Opposition

Gongwer 11/28/12

Supporters of a proposal to ban abortion at the point a fetal heartbeat becomes detectable asked senators Wednesday to override Senate President Tom Niehaus's opposition to the bill.

Faith2Action, which has lobbied aggressively for the so-called "heartbeat bill," (HB 125 ), is working to get 17 Republican senators to sign a discharge petition, which would bring the measure to a floor vote despite Sen. Niehaus's decision to block the bill. (See Gongwer Ohio Report, November 27, 2012)

"What the outgoing Senate president has to say isn't nearly as significant as what the Senate president and the 21 other Republican senators can do about it," Faith2Action President Janet Porter said in a statement.

Ms. Porter said she circulated the state's first successful discharge petition in 1994, which led to the passage of the nation's first partial-birth abortion ban.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=812300205

November 28

Ohio Senate nixes divisive family planning bill

The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio —

The Ohio Senate's leader says his chamber won't act this session on a bill that would boot Planned Parenthood to the back of the line for public family-planning money.

Republican Senate President Tom Niehaus (NEE'-hows) told reporters Tuesday that the Senate wouldn't have adequate time to weigh the significant policy issues at stake. He said he let House Speaker William Batchelder, a fellow Republican, know his plans.

The full House has not voted on the measure, and it's unclear whether the GOP-controlled chamber will act.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/ap/ap/legislative/ohio-senate-nixes-divisive-family-planning-bill/nTGrq/

Updated: 2:40 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012 | Posted: 2:39 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012

Supreme Court lets Ohio legislative map stand

Bottom of Form

By JULIE CARR SMYTH

The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio —

The Ohio Supreme Court let stand a newly drawn state legislative map Tuesday in a defeat for Democrats.

In a 4-3 ruling, the divided high court upheld the map approved last year on grounds that Ohio's Constitution does not require political neutrality in the process.

Democrats, who brought the challenge on behalf of a group of voters, had argued the five-member Ohio Apportionment Board intentionally sought political advantage with the maps as prohibited in the constitution, in a maneuver known as gerrymandering.

Republicans in the case argued the state constitution asks the map-drawing board to consider minimizing county, township, city and precinct splits but sets no absolute rule.

The court ruled that opponents of the maps didn't present convincing evidence the Republican-controlled apportionment board manipulated the districts for GOP political gain.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/ap/ap/legislative/supreme-court-lets-ohio-legislative-map-stand/nTGXD

High court OKs legislative maps

By  Jim Siegel

The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday November 28, 2012 7:56 AM

The new Republican-drawn legislative maps will stay, thanks to a 4-3 ruling yesterday by the Ohio Supreme Court.

But considering that tight ruling came from a court dominated 6-1 by Republicans, some see it as a sign that the current hyperpartisan system for drawing maps is in serious need of an overhaul.

“Now is the time to reform the process,” said state Auditor Dave Yost, a member of the Apportionment Board. “No one knows who will be in control in 2020, so this is a perfect window when both sides have as much to win as to lose.”

Democrats challenged the constitutionality of the new House and Senate districts, arguing the map unconstitutionally split more than 250 governmental entities for political purposes.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/11/28/high-court-oks-legislative-maps.html

Published: 11/28/2012 - Updated: 3 hours ago

Planned Parenthood bill blocked in Ohio Senate

Legislation also seeks abortion curb

BY JIM PROVANCE
BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU CHIEF

COLUMBUS — Proposed bills to cut, if not eliminate, family-planning funding for Planned Parenthood and all but outlaw abortions in Ohio ran into a brick wall in the state Senate on Tuesday.

Senate President Tom Niehaus (R., New Richmond), said he will not bring either measure to the chamber’s floor during the lame-duck session. That would mean the bills would die with the close of the two-year session in mid-December and would have to start the legislative process over next year.

“I think you have to look at the entirety of the work that’s done by Planned Parenthood, and I believe they offer much-needed services that are not available other places,” Mr. Niehaus said. “I chose not to take the bill up in lame-duck.”

Two weeks ago, a Republican-controlled House committee voted along party lines to send House Bill 298 to the full House. House Speaker Bill Batchelder (R., Medina) said Tuesday the GOP caucus had yet to decide whether to bring the bill to a vote, and he questioned whether to go forward with a House vote if the Senate would not take it up.

http://www.toledoblade.com/State/2012/11/28/Planned-Parenthood-bill-blocked-in-Ohio-Senate-legislation-also-seeks-abortion-curb.html

Split Ohio Supreme Court Upholds General Assembly Districts

Hannah Report 11/27/12

The Ohio Supreme Court, in a 4-3 ruling Tuesday, rejected Democrats' request that new General Assembly districts be declared unconstitutional because of alleged partisanship and county-splitting by majority Republicans.

Justice Terrence O'Donnell wrote in the majority opinion for Wilson v. Kasich that Apportionment Board actions should enjoy a strong presumption of constitutionality, and that challengers failed to overcome that burden.

"This Court does not sit as a super apportionment board to determine whether a plan presented by the relators is better than the plan adopted by the board," he wrote. "Instead, we determine whether the board acted within the broad discretion conferred upon by the provisions of Article XI [of the Ohio Constitution] when it adopted its plan ... The role of a supreme court in considering constitutional challenges to an apportionment plan is restricted to determining whether relators have met their burden to prove that the plan adopted by the board is unconstitutional beyond a reasonable doubt."

Joining O'Donnell were Justices Robert Cupp and Judith Ann Lanzinger, along with Third District Appeals Judge John Willamowski, sitting in place of Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, who recused herself.

http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=191265

Batchelder to Remain Speaker in 130th General Assembly

Hannah Report 11/27/12

House Republicans held their leadership elections Tuesday and chose to keep House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) at the top of the caucus for the 130th General Assembly.

As expected, most of the leadership from the 129th General Assembly remained, with members moving up one leadership spot to replace House Speaker Pro Tempore Lou Blessing (R-Cincinnati), who was term-limited. Taking Blessing’s spot is Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima), the current majority floor leader.

Rounding out the leadership team for next session are Rep. Barbara Sears (R-Sylvania) as majority floor leader; Rep. John Adams (R-Sidney) as assistant majority floor leader; and Rep. Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) as majority whip. Joining the leadership team to fill a vacancy left by Blessing and the ascension of the other members of leadership is Rep. Jim Buchy (R-Greenville), who will serve as assistant majority whip. http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=191267

Batchelder, Niehaus Expect to Address Internet Cafes in Lame Duck

Hannah Report 11/27/12

Both House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) and Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond) said Tuesday that they expect to address Internet cafes and so-called sweepstakes machines before the end of the 129^th General Assembly.

Law enforcement and Attorney General Mike DeWine have expressed concern with the proliferation of the establishments, nearly 800 according to an official count by DeWine’s office. At least two bills in the House, HB195 (Baker-Anielski) and HB605 (Huffman) seek to rein them in and regulate them, as well as one Senate bill, SB317 (Schiavoni).

The House State Government and Elections Committee has scheduled two additional hearings on HB195 for this week and may accept a substitute bill.

Batchelder said he wants to discuss the issue with his caucus, but he said he expects there to be action in the lame duck. http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=191268

House Passes Court Fees, County Building Lease Legislation

Hannah Report 11/27/12

In a busy but quick session Tuesday, the House passed a handful of naming bills as well as legislation addressing the way courts collect fees and allowing counties to sell buildings and lease them back.

After session, House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) said he expects to talk with his caucus on Wednesday on whether to bring HB298 (Roegner-Rosenberger), which would either prioritize state funding of family planning services or defund Planned Parenthood, depending on the point of view, to the floor.

http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=191270

Supreme Court Upholds GOP-Crafted Legislative Districts

Gongwer 11/27/12

The Ohio Supreme Court narrowly ruled Tuesday that the Republican-controlled Apportionment Board's redrawing of state legislative boundaries for the next decade is constitutional.

In a 4-3 decision, the court found that just because a redistricting plan is partisan or creates non-competitive districts doesn't make it unfair or unconstitutional. However, two of the six Republicans on the court joined the lone Democratic justice in dissenting.

A group of Democratic voters had challenged the GOP-drawn redistricting plan, claiming it violated Article XI of the Ohio Constitution by excessively splitting cities, counties, and other political subdivisions into different legislative districts.

But in his majority opinion, Justice Terrence O'Donnell wrote that fixing that problem would cause a violation of another constitutional provision that existing legislative boundaries should be preserved as much as possible.

When there's a clash between two equal but irreconcilable provisions, it's up to the Apportionment Board, not the courts, to determine how to resolve the issue, Justice O'Donnell wrote. The justices can only determine whether the plan is unconstitutional, he said, and the challengers didn't prove that beyond a reasonable doubt.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=812290201

Politics Notebook: House GOP Retains Leadership Team, Adds Buchy; Landis-O'Farrell Race Recount-Bound; Turner SOS Announcement Pending

Gonwer 11/27/12

House Republicans made it official Tuesday by reelecting Speaker Bill Batchelder to lead the caucus and retaining all of the leadership team that's returning next year for the 130th General Assembly.

With Rep. Lou Blessing (R-Cincinnati), the speaker pro tem, facing term limits this year, the remaining members of the team all moved up a slot.

Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) will serve as pro tem, Rep. Barbara Sears (R-Sylvania) as majority leader, Rep. John Adams (R-Sidney) as assistant majority floor leader, Rep. Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) as majority whip and Rep. Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) as assistant majority whip.

Speaker Batchelder (R-Medina) said in a statement that he was proud to continue in the leadership role for the caucus.

"I am confident that this leadership team will guide the good work of the House of Representatives and continue the traditions of this fine institution. As representatives of the people, we will continue to work in earnest toward a more prosperous economy, more high-paying jobs, and a better business climate for our citizens," he said.

"There will be a number of issues we must focus on in the next General Assembly. Jobs will likely continue to be the most important issue to Ohioans, and while we made extraordinary progress during the 129th General Assembly, we still have much more to do in the years ahead. We look forward to continuing this effort and making the difficult decisions that need to be made."

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=812290208

Report Card Revamp Planned For Floor Action This Week; Committees Slate Bevy Of Bills For Votes

Gongwer 11/26/12

The General Assembly is set to follow up a holiday week with three days of action on legislation, including a possible floor vote on the school report card overhaul bill.

Both the House and Senate have sessions scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week along with dozens of committee meetings over the three days.

Among the priority bills expected see a vote by the full House is legislation (HB 555 ) to create a new state report card system for schools as well as create standards for dropout recovery schools and a rating system for charter sponsors.

The House Education Committee, which held three hearings on the bill Nov. 13-15, is scheduled to consider amendments Tuesday. Changes were submitted to the panel Nov. 16 and an omnibus amendment is being drafted to incorporate a good number of those, according to the chairman's office.

The bill is scheduled for a committee vote Wednesday, and House Speaker Bill Batchelder's spokesman Mike Dittoe said the chamber does intend to have a floor vote on the matter this week.

Chairman and sponsor Rep. Gerald Stebelton (R-Lancaster) has said he wants to have the bill enacted before the end of the year, leaving a few remaining weeks for the Senate to process the measure.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=812280201

November 27

Internet cafes should be regulated

1:49 AM, Nov 27, 2012   

If a bill introduced last week to ban Internet cafes turns out to be over-reaching, then the state should at least regulate and tax the “gambling” operations.

Prosecutors, county commissioners, law enforcement organizations and the Fraternal Order of Police have implored state lawmakers to act. State Rep. Matt Huffman, R-Lima, responded. The Republican majority floor leader for House Speaker William Batchelder introduced the bill to ban Internet cafes by redefining sweepstakes….

http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20121127/OPINION01/311270021?nclick_check=1

November 26

Updated: 11:10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 | Posted: 11:10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23, 2012

Ethics law update on Ohio lawmakers' year-end list

By ANN SANNER

The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio —

Ohio lawmakers' to-do list before the end of the year includes a possible update to the state's ethics rules and a bill to protect young athletes against brain injuries.

During the lame-duck session that continues after Thanksgiving break, legislative leader are also taking a hard look at possible changes to the state's election rules and a bill to shuffle how public family-planning dollars are distributed.

Republicans hold majorities in each chamber, and the GOP will have continued control when the newly elected General Assembly starts its session in January.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/ap/ap/education/ethics-law-update-on-ohio-lawmakers-year-end-list/nTDXw/

November 21

Crackdown coming on Internet cafes

State lawmakers working to ban controversial gambling sites

By  Alan Johnson

The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday November 21, 2012 6:26 AM

A ban on Internet sweepstakes cafes in Ohio could be coming in the next few weeks.

A chorus of opponents, led by prosecutors, county commissioners, law enforcement and most recently the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, is prompting state lawmakers to move swiftly after months of inaction on the unregulated, unlicensed operations that have sprung up all over the state.

Add the voice of Ohio casino operators, who view the cafes as unregulated competitors.

State Rep. Matt Huffman, R-Lima, the majority floor leader for House Speaker William Batchelder of Medina, introduced House Bill 605 last week. It would essentially ban Internet cafes by redefining sweepstakes. Huffman said he thinks other legislation under consideration by the House State and Elections Committee, House Bill 195, could be the vehicle on which to pass legislation in year-end lame-duck legislative sessions.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/11/21/crackdown-coming-on-internet-cafes.html

No job for lame ducks

Published: November 20, 2012 - 06:46 PM

Akron Beacon Journal

No job for lame ducks November 20,2012 11:46 PM GMT Beacon Journal Publishing Co. Copyright � 2012 Beacon Journal Publishing Co. Inc and Black Press. All Rights Reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of the Akron Beacon Journal is expressly prohibited.

A coalition of the cautious must rally to delay action on an elections bill until next year, giving enough time for Ohio lawmakers and voting advocates to take a thorough, bipartisan look at what is needed to ensure a fair and open process for all voters.

Since before Election Day, Senate Republicans have signaled their willingness to tackle in the lame-duck session such contentious issues as early voting and voter registration, ignoring the bitter legacy of House Bill 194.

That measure, pushed through by Republican majorities in the House and Senate, was headed for a referendum this past November before it was repealed. A continuing controversy over in-person absentee voting on the three days before Election Day finally was resolved in federal court.

Fortunately, a group of voter advocates, including the League of Women Voters, is pushing now for a deliberative approach, concerned the official canvass (due Tuesday) has not yet been completed. House Speaker William Batchelder has advised slowing down, wisely believing it best to wait until next year to draft an elections bill. Democratic lawmakers, too, warn about the dangers of acting too quickly, the next election two years away.

http://www.ohio.com/editorial/editorials/no-job-for-lame-ducks-1.351845

Fraternal Order of Police Wants Internet Cafes Banned Outright

Hannah Report 11/20/12

Ohio's largest law enforcement union is asking state leaders to enact a ban on Internet cafes, the fast-proliferating gambling parlors now operating in gray areas of the law. Meanwhile, a member of House leadership is pushing for greater legal clarity on just which forms of gambling are permitted under state law.

Jay McDonald, president of the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, wrote a letter requesting the ban Tuesday to Gov. John Kasich, Attorney General Mike DeWine, House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina), House Minority Leader Armond Budish (D-Beachwood), Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond) and Senate Minority Leader Eric Kearney (D-Cincinnati).

"Based on first-hand reports from Ohio's law enforcement community, particularly in Central and Northeast Ohio, we believe these establishments are at best illegal gambling operations, and at worst, fronts for more serious criminal activity. We believe Internet gambling cafes pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of our communities. Many of our communities, along with state and local law enforcement agencies, have already dedicated hundreds of hours investigating this illegal activity," the letter states. "The best way to protect communities from the negative impacts of Internet gambling cafes is a permanent statewide ban."

http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=191229

Politics Notebook: Election Officials Tabulate, Certify Ballots; House Leadership Announced; Advocates Decry Lame Duck Election Law Changes;

Election Law Changes: Ohio voting advocates recently urged the General Assembly to hold off changes to the state's election law under after results from the Nov. 6 election are counted and certified and voting patterns can be analyzed.

The call from advocates comes in response to indications from Senate leadership that the chamber would consider election law changes during the lame duck session.

"We should not rush to judgment on changes in voting rules before all the facts are in," Peg Rosenfield, of the League of Women Voters of Ohio, said in a statement.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=812250206