By Savana Capp

Two bills split Summit County legislators’ votes this month: the Share the Health and Empower With Informed Notices Act and the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act. 

SHE WINS or H.B. 347 would require providers to meet with patients at least 24 hours before an abortion to provide consent statements regarding the procedure. The Indecent Exposure Modernization Act or H.B. 249 would prohibit drag and other cabaret performances outside of designated locations. 

Rep. Jack Daniels (R-New Franklin) and Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) voted yes on both bills, while Rep. Veronica Sims (D-Akron) and Rep. Derrick Hall (D-Akron) voted no. 

Additionally, Hall posted about his vote against H.B. 347, saying Ohioans should be able to make their own decisions about healthcare.

“24-hour waiting periods for reproductive care often lead to waits longer than 24 hours, increased costs, emotional burdens, and other barriers. There is no other medical procedure that is mandated by Ohio law to have a 24-hour waiting period,” Hall said in a post. “If this was really about helping Ohioans make informed decisions, we would fund education, make their lives more affordable, and make healthcare more accessible.” 

 

H.B. 347 passed the House (64-32) and is currently in the Senate Health Committee. H.B. 249 passed the House (63-32) and is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

Daniels introduced H.B. 831 April 21, which would require the Medicaid program and health plan issuers to cover treatment related to Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. 

Sims introduced H.B. 799 with Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) March 31, regarding model curriculum for world history. This would require Ohio schools to reflect the full and accurate story of human civilization, including recorded contributions of African peoples and cultures. 

Sims introduced H.B. 828 April 21, with Rep. Ismail Mohamed (D-Columbus) regarding the use of automated employment decision tools. Such tools include any computational process derived from machine learning, statistical modeling, data analytics or artificial intelligence. The result is a simplified output used to assist or replace making decisions about a worker’s suitability for “hiring, employment, promotion, retention, or disciplinary action, including dismissal or nonrenewal of a contract.” 

The bill would require employers to not rely on automated employment decision tools, should provide a notice to the worker before using the tools and should allow a worker or prospective worker to request an assessment without automated employment decision tools.  

Additionally, Sims raised concerns over H.B. 730 March 18, which would make changes to Ohio’s distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding. 

“Right now, we are asking our counties to do more with less, and it is simply not sustainable,” Sims said in a press release. “There are fewer staff, fewer resources, and greater demand. The Pharoah has taken the straw but still expects us to make bricks.” 

All Ohio counties would receive the same amount of funding regardless of population or caseloads. Sims’ district accounts for 6% of SNAP cases, leaving constituents to face longer wait times, delayed approvals and overall difficulty with the system. Sims was urging for the funding to be based on caseloads to protect from staff cuts and decreased resources.

The bill was signed by Gov. Mike DeWine March 31. 

Sims also spoke on the House floor March 18, opposing H.B. 92. She said the legislation would shift the burden of unpaid utility bills from landlords to municipalities, making everyday Ohioans cover the costs.

“The last thing our constituents need are higher utility costs and added strain on essential services. A vote to pass this bill is a vote to raise water and sewer rates for over five million Ohioans,” Sims said. “Responsible renters, homeowners, and small business owners should not have to pick up the slack for unpaid bills. The act of a few bad apples should not spoil the entire orchard.”   

Roemer introduced H.B. 814 April 13, which would require the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to request the elimination of E-Check in Cuyahoga, Summit, Lorain, Geauga, Medina, Lake and Portage counties if they determine the region has moved from nonattainment to an attainment air quality status. 

“For too long, Northeast Ohio has been unfairly penalized by the E-Check program. We’ve seen significant air quality improvement over the past 30 years,” Roemer said in a press release. “It’s time to end E-Check, and my legislation will do exactly that if the U.S. EPA determines we’ve reached air quality attainment.”

Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) introduced S.B. 379 with Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) March 16, which would require the attorney general to establish a camera footage registry system statewide to impose requirements on gaming platform developers, require public schools to provide groping awareness and prevention instruction and to name the act Hailey’s Law. 

The bill was referred to the General Government Senate Committee. 

DeWine signed Roegner and Sen. Jane Timken’s (R-Jackson Township) S.B. 244 March 31, which designates Aug. 26 as Abbey Gate Remembrance Day. The bill honors the families of the fallen American service men and women on the final days of the war in Afghanistan and will be in effect as of June 30. 

The Ohio Senate passed Roegner’s S.B. 320 April 15, which would enter Ohio into the Athletic Trainer Compact. 

"This legislation removes unnecessary licensing hurdles, allowing qualified athletic trainers to more easily practice across state lines while maintaining strong professional standards,” Roegner said in a press release. “The result is greater access to timely, high-quality care for Ohio’s schools, teams, and patients.” 

The bill has been introduced to the House. 

Sen. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) and Willis E. Blackshear, Jr. (D-Dayton) introduced S.B. 378 March 16, regarding data centers’ withdrawal and consumptive use of water, naming it the Responsible Water Use by Data Centers Act. The bill is currently in the Public Utilities Senate Committee. 

“The bill caps consumptive water use and requires data centers to cover all water and sewer infrastructure costs they create rather than spreading them across other customers,” Weinstein said in a social media post. 

Weinstein introduced S.B. 381 March 19, which would require approval from the Public Utility Commission to interconnect data centers to the electrical grid. The bill is currently in the Public Utilities Senate Committee. 

“If a proposed data center would mean higher bills or a less reliable grid for Ohio families and businesses, PUCO should have the authority to stop it before a single shovel hits the ground,” Weinstein said in a social media post.

He introduced S.B. 383 March 19, which regards portable solar generation devices. Weinstein said the bill would allow Ohioans to plug in small solar devices without red tape at home to reduce electric bills. The bill is currently in the Energy Senate Committee.  

Weinstein also introduced S.B. 388 March 23, which would designate October as Augmentative and Alternative Communication Awareness Month. The bill is currently in the Senate Health Committee. 

He introduced S.B. 389 March 23, which would require coverage for augmentative and alternative communication for those 22 and younger. Augmentative and alternative communication tools include any instrument, equipment, software or system designed to supplement, enhance or replace speech for those with expressive communication disabilities. 

The bill is currently in the Financial Institutions, Insurance and Technology Senate Committee. 

“More than 76,000 Ohioans age 21 and under cannot reliably communicate using natural speech. AAC tools like communication boards and speech-generating devices give individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, and other conditions the ability to express themselves, connect with others, and live more independently,” Weinstein said in a social media post. 

Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) announced March 19 that she is cosponsoring the reintroduced Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, including 14 bills to address the United States’ maternal health crisis. 

“By addressing critical issues such as maternal healthcare, affordable childcare, paid family leave, and economic empowerment for women, the Momnibus Act not only recognizes the invaluable role mothers play in our society but also takes meaningful steps to ensure their well-being and success,” Sykes said in a press release. 

Sykes and Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) introduced the Crime Survivor Support and Stability Act April 21, which would strengthen the response to violent crime by affirming survivors’ rights and funding community assistance. 

“Too many survivors are forced to navigate not only the trauma of violence, but also the financial and legal barriers that follow,” Sykes said in a press release. “This legislation helps ensure survivors can access immediate financial support, keep their housing and jobs, and get the services they need to rebuild their lives. It’s about meeting people where they are and giving them a real path to stability and healing.”

Sykes and Nikema Williams (GA-05) reintroduced H.R. 8459, the Water Infrastructure Sustainability and Efficiency (WISE) Act, April 22, which would permanently set aside 20% of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for sustainable water infrastructure projects. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund provides states with funds for water quality projects. The bill is supported by organizations such as American Rivers, the Alliance for Water Efficiency and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. 

“All Ohioans deserve access to clean water, but our aging infrastructure threatens the health and safety of our communities,” Sykes said in a press release. 

Sykes also introduced H.R. 8639, the Critical Operation Oversight of Law Enforcement Intervention and Training (COOL IT) Act April 30. The legislation would modernize immigration officer training through annual scenario-based instruction of crisis intervention, officer safety and de-escalation. 

“In high-pressure situations, proper training can make all the difference,” Sykes said in a press release. “The COOL IT Act ensures immigration officers have the tools they need to make sound decisions, protect public safety, and engage with communities professionally and responsibly.”

Hall was not the primary sponsor of any new bills this month. 

Sykes again voted yes on H. Con. Res. 40, which would remove U.S. forces not authorized by Congress from hostilities in Iran. 

“The American people deserve a say before we are pulled further into another war. Instead, families back home are paying the price, with gas prices rising and costs going up across the board,” Sykes said in a press release. “We should be focused on lowering costs and keeping Americans safe, not writing a blank check for another endless conflict.”

The resolution did not pass the House (213-214). 

She also voted yes on H.R. 1689, which would require the Department of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status until Jan. 20, 2029. 

“Haitian families are an important part of our communities, and they deserve stability while their home country faces ongoing violence and instability,” Sykes said in a press release. “At a time when President Trump continues his attacks on Haitian immigrants and his administration shows a troubling lack of empathy, this bipartisan vote is about doing what’s right.”

The resolution passed the House (224-204) and is currently in the Senate for consideration. 

She voted no on S. Con. Res. 33, the Republican Fiscal Year 2026 budget resolution. Sykes said it advances immigration enforcement without accountability or safeguards. Although it does not directly appropriate funding, Sykes said it lays groundwork for a reconciliation package expected to increase ICE and Customs and Border Protection funding. 

“It strengthens agencies that have repeatedly operated without accountability and caused harm in communities without meaningful recourse, while giving this administration broader tools that risk being used for political purposes rather than public safety,” Sykes said in a press release. “In a district as diverse as Ohio’s 13th, this means real families could face increased targeting, heightened scrutiny, and a greater risk of unfair enforcement actions and family separation.”

The bill passed the House (215-211). 

Hall and Sims posted at the No Kings protests March 28 in their respective districts. 

Hall, Sims and Weinstein attended the Summit County Public Education Community Forum April 21. Several school officials from different districts attended to describe the financial burden placed on public schools due to reduced share of state funding. 

“I’ll always advocate in Columbus to fund schools in a way that meets the requirements of the Ohio Constitution and affords all our children access to a high-quality education that prepares them for life,” Hall said in a post.

Sims announced $1.78 million for renovations at the Akron-Hawkins National Guard Armory as it completes building maintenance, such as new fire alarms and smoke detector systems. She also announced $4.2 million for the University of Akron Polsky Arts Center renovation, creating an interdisciplinary arts center downtown. 

Sims posted for Black Maternal Health Week and attended the More Life film viewing with Minority Behavioral Health Group and Queens Village Akron. She also attended the second annual Black Maternal Health Caucus Conference; the theme this year was “Focus on Change.” 

Roemer participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Boy Scouts Middle School Trades Educational Center at Camp Manatoc April 29. The facility offers trades such as carpentry, welding and HVAC for middle school students. 

“Our skilled trades are the backbone of the Greater Akron economy. We must provide opportunities like this for students at a young age so that they can experience potential careers and see what interests them,” Roemer said in a press release. “These are the careers of the future, and it’s important these kids know they have great jobs waiting for them here in Ohio, even in their backyard.”

Sykes announced April 22 NeighborWorks America will award $254,000 to the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation for the fiscal year 2026.

NeighborWorks America supports a nationwide network of organizations to build and sustain safe and affordable communities. In Sykes’ district, many families continue to face limited access to affordable housing. 

Roegner received legislator of the year award from ABC of Ohio.  

Weinstein spoke out against an Ohio bill that would require life and death certificates for all pregnancies.  

“This proposed ‘registry’, requiring every pregnancy be reported to the state, is their next step in skirting the Constitutional Amendment Ohioans overwhelmingly passed to protect reproductive rights,” he said in a post.