The process on HB 371 has stalled in that no additional hearings have been scheduled beyond the first sponsor hearing. Concerns expressed to lawmakers from individuals and professionals across the spectrum have played an important role in slowing this very dangerous bill. We will continue to monitor the committee’s agenda each week and post an announcement regarding any scheduled hearings. It is critical for the public to stay vigilant on this issue. The proponents are continuing to press for support behind the scenes.
HB371 is not on the agenda for the House Civil and Commercial Law Committee on March 16th. The next step in the committee process will be to schedule a hearing for proponent testimony. On occasion this hearing is a combined hearing for proponents and opponents, but not often.
There have been meetings between legislators and child service advocates behind the scenes to discuss revisions to the bill. We will post an announcement of the committee schedule each week to keep the public up to date. We must stay vigilant, even though the sponsors of the legislation are restrategizing. So, in short, at this moment we are in a watch and wait mode.
The Ohio House Civil and Commercial Law Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, but HB 371 is NOT on the agenda.
Cheo | March 20, 2010
