Ohio Statehouse Archives

Big Tech Defends Data Centers Before Ohio Lawmakers

The hyperscalers did their best to tamp down fears about water contamination, air pollution and rising energy costs amid widespread public opposition.

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal June 9, 2026June 9, 2026

Ohio News

Bill That Could Limit Abortion Pill Access Starts Trip Through Ohio Senate

The bill passed the Ohio House despite criticism about consequences to medical access, including the abortion pill

by Susan Tebben, The Ohio Capital Journal May 21, 2026May 21, 2026

Ohio News

LGBTQ+ Ohioans Testify for the First Time and Encounter ‘Bullying’ From the Lawmakers Elected to Represent Them

They stepped up to respectfully participate in the legislative process and ran headfirst into the ‘truly shameful behavior’ of Republican Rep. Josh Williams.

by Ken Schneck, The Buckeye Flame May 4, 2026May 4, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio Bills Would Reduce Barriers for People After Serving Criminal Sentences

“This is not a partisan issue. This is a humanitarian issue,” said State Sen. Michele Reynolds, R-Canal Winchester.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal April 8, 2026April 8, 2026

Ohio News

‘Ohio Is Too Expensive.’ Ohio House Democrats Plan to Introduce Series of Affordability Bills

“It’s time that legislators and leaders stepped up to take action,” said state Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio of the bills that focus on health care, housing, child care, consumer goods, and energy affordability.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal April 2, 2026April 2, 2026

Ohio News

JobsOhio Oversight Proposed by Bipartisan Ohio Lawmakers Following Podcast Scandal

“Every dollar JobsOhio spends should be in the service of that goal, but recent revelations have cast serious doubt on whether that is the case,” said Tristan Rader.

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

Ohio News

Drag Performers Testify Against Ohio Drag Ban That Also Targets Transgender People

Conservative lawmakers said part of their intent is to ban trans and gender non-conforming people from using public locker rooms

by H.L. Comeriato, The Buckeye Flame March 20, 2026March 20, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio House Waits on Data Center Study Vote, Hints at Veto Override on Sales Tax Exemption

“We absolutely should have a commission to look at these issues, and look broader, frankly, at artificial intelligence policy. But it shouldn’t be just another commission that is in the pocket of the people who it would impact.”

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio GOP Bill Would Tie State University Funding to Compliance With New Anti-Diversity Higher Ed Law

“There’s absolutely not even been enough time since Senate Bill 1 was enacted to make an informed decision about any of this,” said Ohio Conference of the American Association of University Professors Executive Director Jennifer Price.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal February 25, 2026February 25, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio Republican Lawmaker Wants Stiffer Penalties for Masked Offenders as Dems Ask, What About ICE?

The mask ban Ohio Democrats have proposed applies to local, state, and federal officers equally, and carries exceptions for masks worn for safety, by SWAT units or undercover officers.

by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio House Democrats Introduce Bills to Regulate ICE Presence in Ohio

They would ban officers from wearing face coverings, among other restrictions.

by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Ohio News

Ohio GOP Lawmakers to Formally Pledge Support for Dismantling of U.S. Department of Education

Teachers unions in Ohio and nationwide have stood staunchly against the effort, worrying about the loss of federal protections and other necessary services from the move.

by Susan Tebben, The Ohio Capital Journal February 2, 2026February 2, 2026