By Lauren Cohen

Ohio Sen. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) introduced S.B. 264, the Megan’s Way Out Act, on Sept. 16. This act passed unanimously at the city level in Stow on Sept. 11.

The bill would require new or remodeled drive-thrus to have a minimum 10-foot bypass lane. It was created after Megan Keleman, a Stow resident, was killed in a shooting while trapped in a drive-thru lane in August of 2024.

“The tragic loss of Megan Keleman highlighted a glaring safety risk in many drive-thru lanes across the state,” Weinstein said in a press release. “This bill ensures that no Ohioan will ever again be trapped in a drive-thru without a way out or without access to help when it’s needed most.”

The bill was referred to the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee on Oct. 1.

Weinstein also introduced S.B. 257 on Sept. 10, which would establish the Support Children's Overall Psychological and Emotional Health (SCOPE) Pilot Program and make an appropriation. It was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on Oct. 1.

Ohio State Rep. Jack K. Daniels (R-New Franklin) introduced H.B. 457 on Sept. 17 alongside Ohio State Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.). The bill would strengthen Ohio’s hate crime statutes by enhancing penalties for politically motivated violence.

This legislation follows the murder of political commentator Charlie Kirk and Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, which a press release on Daniels’ website said “served as a reminder that attacks targeting individuals based on their political beliefs or affiliations are on a disturbing rise.”

“Political violence is unacceptable in all circumstances — whether directed at elected officials, staff, journalists or activists peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights," Daniels said in the press release. "This bill sends a clear message: Violence has no place in our politics."

The bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee on Oct. 1.

Sykes sponsored four bills in September.

H.R. 5122, the NASA Talent Exchange Program Act, was introduced on Sept. 3 and was co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio). The bill would form a partnership between the aerospace industry and NASA by assigning NASA employees to temporary industry posts and bringing industry professionals to NASA for short-term positions.

“This bill will allow NASA to better fulfill its missions by authorizing the Public-Private Talent Exchange Program, through which NASA and private industry professionals will have the chance to exchange technical expertise and operational best practices, ensuring that America’s space and aerospace industry remains the best and most innovative in the world,” Sykes said.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology the day it was introduced.

She introduced H.R. 5412, the Food Farmacy Act of 2025, on Sept. 16 alongside U.S. Reps Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) and Janelle Bynum (D-Oregon). This bill would expand access to nutritious foods and provide nutritional guidance.

“I know food farmacies work because, as a state legislator, I created a program to fund the establishment of food farmacies in Ohio and have seen the positive impact they can have on patients battling chronic illness,” Sykes said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure every American can access healthy food.”

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the day it was introduced.

Sykes introduced H.R. 5660 on Sept. 30 alongside numerous other representatives, which would ensure continuity of pay and allowances for members of the Armed Forces in the event of a lapse in appropriations. It was referred to the House Committee on Appropriations the day it was introduced.

She also introduced H.R. 5661 on Sept. 30 alongside U.S. Rep. Robert Bresnahan (R-Pennsylvania) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to consider the use of resource preservation techniques in certain programs. It was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on the day it was introduced.

Ohio State Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) introduced H.B. 480 on Sept. 29 alongside State Rep. Mike Dovilla (R-Berea). The bill would revise the Unclaimed Funds Law, which requires businesses to turn over inactive property and accounts to the state government. It was referred to the House Technology and Innovation Committee on Oct. 1.

Ohio State Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) introduced two bills in September, including Senate Bill 263 on Sept. 16 and Senate Bill 276 on Sept. 30.

SB 263 would make changes regarding the treatment of professional employer organizations and alternate employer organizations under the Unemployment Compensation Law. It was referred to the Senate Financial Institutions, Insurance and Technology Committee on Oct. 1. SB 276 would ratify the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists and was referred to the Senate Education Committee on Oct. 1.

Ohio State Rep. Derrick Hall (D-Akron) and Ohio State Rep. Veronica Sims (D-Akron) were not the primary sponsors of any bills in September.

Sykes voted on multiple acts throughout September.

She voted against H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, on Sept. 19. The bill was created to fund the government short-term to prevent a government shutdown, and it passed in the House of Representatives.

It did not receive the 60 affirmative votes it needed in the Senate, leading to the ongoing shutdown, which began Oct. 1.

Sykes did not release a statement on why she voted against the bill, but she did call attention to two previous bills she sponsored that she said would provide stability during the shutdown: the Pay Our Military Act and the Feed Our Families Act.

“No American should ever go hungry because of Congress’ failure to fund SNAP,” Sykes said in a press release. “The Feed Our Families Act will ensure millions of Americans, including thousands of constituents in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District who rely on SNAP, will still be able to put food on their tables in the event of a government shutdown.”

Sykes voted against H.R. 4553, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. The bill would provide fiscal year 2026 appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy and several independent agencies. The bill passed in the House on Sept. 4 with 214-213 votes.

Sykes said in a press release that the bill would raise energy prices and jeopardize energy independence while neglecting other investments in clean water and sewer infrastructure. 

She also voted for H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which passed in the House 231-196 on Sept. 10. It would authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction and for defense activities of the Department of Energy.

Sykes said in a press release that the legislation would also include expanded access to dental care, gynecological care and nutritious foods.

Ohio Statehouse lawmakers missed the first deadline for congressional redistricting, which was Sept. 30. As of Oct. 13, Ohio Republicans had not shared a proposed congressional map with the public. The second deadline for a bipartisan map from the Ohio Redistricting Commission is Oct. 31.

If this deadline isn’t met, lawmakers will take over again, and the new map will not have to be bipartisan — it would just need majority approval.

Ohio's congressional districts currently have 10 Republicans and five Democrats. On average, Republicans win 55% to 45% of the vote over Democrats in Ohio, according to News 5 Cleveland. Democrats proposed a map with eight seats leaning red and seven leaning blue.

Weinstein released a statement on Oct. 1 regarding the situation.

“It’s disappointing that our colleagues across the aisle had no intention of engaging in a bipartisan effort to pass fair maps that ensure voters choose their representatives, not the other way around,” he said. “Republicans have once again resorted to backroom deals that will unfairly affect millions of Ohioans. It’s yet another reminder that, in Ohio, politicians still get to choose their voters.”

Sims released a press release regarding the situation on Sept. 30, calling it “another broken promise to the people of Ohio.”

“Prior to and throughout this current process, the people of Ohio have spoken loudly and consistently that they want congressional maps that are fair and constitutional,” she said. “It is unfortunate that their voices continue to go unheard.”

Democrats sent a letter on Oct. 1 to Gov. Mike DeWine “urging him to reconvene the Ohio Redistricting Commission immediately to begin its work to produce a fair, bipartisan congressional map.”

In other news, the Ohio Jewish Caucus released a statement on Sept. 3 condemning hate speech that occurred during an antisemitic demonstration in Hudson, Weinstein’s hometown, who is the Jewish Caucus’ senator.

“Sometimes the strongest defense against fear, hate and antisemitism is simply standing together as a community in peace and unity to drown out abhorrent rhetoric,” the Ohio Jewish Caucus said. “Hate speech and political violence must never be tolerated. Peace, love, empathy and strength of unity must always overcome.”

Sims attended the 54th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference in September and posted with Sykes on Sept. 29, saying, “To have so many incredible leaders from across the country in one space that came to both inspire and be inspired was absolutely priceless.”

Sims also appeared in a video post with Ohio State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington), detailing what happened at the first public Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting hearing.

Roegner posted a photo of herself with Kirk, the political activist who was fatally shot at a Utah campus event on Sept. 10., after his death, calling him a “hero” and “martyr.”

Weinstein also posted about Kirk, saying he was “horrified.”

“Political violence has NO PLACE in America,” he wrote. “I condemn this horrific, senseless attack.”

Hall posted on Sept. 21 endorsing Amy Acton for Ohio governor. He wrote, “Ohio voters want authenticity — she is that with the skill and grit to get the job done.” Weinstein also endorsed her.

Roemer was announced as the Ohio Chamber of Commerce “Legislator of the Year” for the House Majority Caucus on Sept. 5, which recognizes him for the support he has given to Ohio’s business community.

“It’s truly an honor to receive this recognition from the Ohio Chamber,” Roemer said. “A strong business environment doesn’t just support employers — it benefits Ohio families by creating opportunity and stability. I’m proud to work alongside the business community to make Ohio an even better place to live, work and grow a business.”

Sykes attended the Barberton Labor Day Parade, did an interview on Sirius XM’s “Mornings with Zerlina” show and held a Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference panel.

Weinstein attended the Huron County, Ohio, Democratic Party’s annual banquet as their keynote speaker on Sept. 25.