You don't want to miss this. February 2022 News & Updates Message from Rep. Kristin Boggs All eyes have been on the Ohio Supreme Court this week as it ordered Ohio's Redistricting Commission to file an explanation as to why it should not be held in contempt for failing to file a constitutional state legislative district map. On Feb. 7, the Court found that the new state maps were once again unconstitutional. The Commission had until Feb. 17 to redraw new House and Senate maps for the state, but the Republican Commission members refused to consider a new map offered by the Democratic members or offer an alternative map. In response to the uncertainty caused by the unconstitutional state legislative and Congressional maps, House Bill (HB) 93 was recently signed into law, which makes several changes to the filing requirements for the upcoming primary election. The emergency legislative changes enacted will help alleviate some concerns about administrative deadlines and paperwork requirements, but these measures fall far short of what’s needed to prevent chaos and confusion for election officials and candidates. This could have been avoided entirely had Republican commissioners been willing to consider any of the multiple maps offered that met all of the constitutional requirements. Ohio House Democrats are still fighting to ensure fair maps and elections for the people of Ohio, who deserve to choose who represents them, not the other way around. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to my office at [email protected] or 614-466-1896 Yours in service, Kristin Legislation Watch Rep. Boggs' bill, HB 166, The Reagan Tokes Act was passed without any opposition out of the House on the day after the 5th anniversary of Reagan's murder. Rep. Boggs was featured in a 10 TV News article where she acknowledged the failures in the criminal justice system that contributed to Reagan's death, "There are real gaps in our post-release control,” Boggs said. "That needs to be fixed." Rep. Boggs and Rep. Bill Seitz introduced HB 574 which will revise the law governing the sale or furnishing of beer and liquor at events held at a private residence without a permit. As the law currently stands, any event held at a private residence where alcohol is being served without a liquor license, is effectively in violation of the “Keeper of a Place” law and is deemed illegal. This bill will allow up to 5 events per year to be hosted at a private residence where alcohol is sold or given away. Black History Month Happy Black History Month! Ohio Democrats are here to fight for equity and justice amongst people of all races, ethnicities, sexualities, gender expressions, religions, classes, and backgrounds. Black History Month is a time to honor that, and specifically celebrate the full histories of Black Americans. This month’s theme is “Black Health & Wellness.” House Democrats are working every day to improve healthcare for Black Ohioans. Throughout this month, we will be highlighting the legislative work we are doing to ensure that Black Ohioans have fair access to opportunities, voting, healthcare, jobs, housing, transportation and all other aspects of life. Our legislative work includes; Signed into law; · HB 8 —Requires the recording of most custodial interrogations & will reduce the risk of forced confessions/wrongful convictions Passed in the House; · HB 3 —Aisha’s Law · HB 371 —Expands coverage of screening mammography & patient notice of dense breast tissue · SB 105 —Establishes reciprocity between state and local MBE certifications Awaits committee action; · HB 42 —Save Our Mothers Act · HB 135 —Allows all forms of copay assistance to count towards patient deductible · HB 142 —Creates a four-year pilot program for coverage & provision of doula services · HB 491 —Establishes paid family & medical leave benefits · HCR 6 —Declares racism a public health crisis Democrats Recognize the 49th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Jan. 22 marked the 49th anniversary of the historic Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which legalized abortion throughout the United States. 49 years later, however, the right for people to choose the reproductive healthcare decisions that are right for them is still under attack. Currently, the Supreme Court is reviewing multiple cases that could potentially overturn the landmark abortion rights case. The nationwide attack on reproductive rights is present even in Ohio, where in December 2021, Gov. DeWine signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 157, which puts Ohioans in danger by preventing doctors and patients from making appropriate and life-saving medical decisions if faced with a medical crisis during pregnancy. The legislation also contained provisions directly targeted to close abortion clinics in Southwest Ohio. Additionally, Republican state lawmakers have also introduced legislation to completely ban abortion in Ohio. Ohio House Democrats are working to ensure Ohioans have access to the full range of quality, affordable healthcare they deserve. National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Teen dating violence is an issue that impacts everyone – not just teens – but parents, teachers, friends and communities as well. This month, Ohio House Democrats are raising awareness about teen dating violence and promoting safe, healthy relationships. In 2018, HB 1, Democratic legislation to expand domestic violence protection orders to those in a dating or intimate relationships, was signed into law. Democrats continue to support legislation such as Aisha’s Law that would better protect survivors of domestic and dating violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you can find help statewide through the Ohio Domestic Violence Network at 1.800.934.9840. Boggs for Ohio | 222 W. 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