Ohio Legislature Returns for Lame Duck Session
While there are still some races still left to be decided, the end of the 2022 election cycle signals the beginning of lame duck session at the Ohio Statehouse, as lawmakers return to Columbus to complete work on outstanding legislation before the 134th General Assembly draws to a close on December 31.
It has been a long summer since lawmakers recessed in early June for an extended break while embarking on two voting cycles (August Primary Election + November General Election), and lawmakers have scheduled only 5 voting sessions between tomorrow (November 16) and the final session date of Wednesday, December 21, with a break in between for Thanksgiving.
2022 Lame Duck Session (As currently scheduled by the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and the President of the Ohio Senate.) Additional dates could still be scheduled.
Note: December 21st Senate Voting Session is an ‘if needed’ date which could be cancelled at a future date.
Lawmakers are expected to use that time to act on a number of issues that have been on hold since the summer break. Among the issues facing lawmakers are:
ARPA Funding - Ohio has roughly $10 billion in Federal ARPA funds left to be allocated. A number of groups have submitted recommendations on how they would like to see the funds disbursed, including a recommendation GOPC supports which would allocate $308 million towards affordable housing.
Criminal Justice Reform - Lawmakers have spent considerable time this session working on a major overhaul to the state’s criminal justice system.
Election Law Modifications - Lawmakers introduced a major election law “modernization” effort following the 2020 general election, which has stalled in committee. There are rumors that lawmakers may attempt to move the bill during lame duck, as well as make changes to how the state constitution is amended. During the general election, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose suggested that constitutional amendments should have to be approved by a 3/5 supermajority (60 percent) rather than the simple majority that is currently required.
Social Issues - A recent ruling at the United States Supreme Court has spurred lawmakers to discuss taking on a number of issues introduced during this session impacting a wide range of social issues. There is debate about whether enough time remains to act on everything, but recent committee announcements make it clear that the debate will be ongoing.
GOPC will actively monitor all legislative activates over the next five weeks. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates as well as our bill tracker here on our website.