October 2021 News & Updates

Message from Rep. Kristin Boggs

Fall is finally here, meaning Election Day, which will occur on Tuesday, November 2, is right around the corner. Polls will be open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Every vote counts, especially since off-year elections are often decided by the slimmest of margins, sometimes just by a few votes. Your vote can make a huge difference in the trajectory of your community.

You can view your sample ballot and find your polling location at voteohio.gov.

Whether you decide to vote absentee by mail, vote early in person or vote in person on Election Day, I encourage you to create a voting plan now to ensure your voice is heard this year.

If you have questions or comments about the redistricting process, please feel free to reach out to my office at [email protected] or 614-466-1896.

I work for you.

Kristin

In The Media

October 31 is the next deadline for Ohio's Congressional District maps.

“If we’re to take Republicans at their word that they want a 10-year map, they should call a meeting of the Commission and introduce the maps they’ve been working on for weeks.” Rep. Boggs told the Center Square.

You can find the full article here.

Legislation Watch

This month, Rep. Boggs introduced HB 456, which will decriminalize fentanyl testing strips and allow for more widespread distribution. This bill targets fentanyl specifically because according to the Ohio Department of Health, fentanyl was involved in 76% of overdose deaths in 2019.

As the laws currently stand, fentanyl drug testing strips are considered drug paraphernalia and it is illegal for someone to be in possession of them. HB 456 will remove fentanyl drug testing strips from the definition of drug paraphernalia and will allow for more accessibility to these life-saving testing strips.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Throughout the pandemic, we have seen a 62% rise in Domestic Violence Fatalities. This devastating increase in deaths reinforces the need for legislative action.

Rep. Boggs and Rep. Abrams' legislation, HB 254 was voted unanimously out of the Aging, Families, and Human Services committee on October 14th and was voted out of the House on October 27th. This bill permits counties to establish their own Domestic Violence Fatality Review Boards. HB 254 will now have additional hearings in the Senate.

Democrats call for action on bills to support survivors of sexual violence

On October 14th, Reps. Boggs, Russo, Galonski, and Miranda hosted a press conference to reinforce the need for action on HB 199 and HB 266 in order for survivors of sexual violence to receive justice.

"Survivors of the most gruesome crimes should not have to fight the legislature to hold these predators and those who permit their abuse accountable for the harm that they cause. The legislature’s inaction and refusal to pass these bills serves only to protect these violent perpetrators.” --Rep. Boggs

Democrats are calling for action on their legislation to support survivors of sexual assault after a federal judge in late September dismissed all outstanding Strauss abuse cases against Ohio State University, citing the expired statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims.

Democrats have introduced numerous bills to modernize Ohio’s laws regarding sexual assault. They include:

House Bill (HB) 266, sponsored by Reps. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) and Jessica E. Miranda (D-Forest Park), would eliminate the statute of limitations for criminal and civil sex crimes. Under the current Revised Code, prosecution against a perpetrator of rape or sexual battery must begin within 25 years after the commission of or attempt to commit the crime. HB 266 would also extend the window for victims of childhood sexual abuse to sue their abusers from 12 years after they reach adulthood to 37 years and create a three year window for survivors older than 55 to take action.
HB 199, sponsored by Reps. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus) and Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) would prevent victims of rape or assault from being denied full compensation of their damages awarded by a jury.