Bill DeMora

Ohio Democrats urge Gov. Mike DeWine to veto House Bill 173, which regulates submetering companies. Critics argue the bill fails to sufficiently protect tenants from inflated rates and poor service, while supporters claim it establishes necessary policy. The bill caps submetering charges at 3% below typical utility rates and aligns some requirements with utility standards, but conflicts with a recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling.

A bipartisan bill to ban child marriage in Ohio passed the Senate Judiciary Committee but was not voted on by the full Senate before lawmakers adjourned for summer. The bill would raise the marriage age to 18 and had no public opposition but stalled despite support from sponsors and advocacy groups.

Ohio lawmakers introduced a data center bill addressing tax incentives, water use, nondisclosure agreements, and utility billing. The legislation aims to cut tax breaks, cap property tax abatements, and require water conservation practices, but faces criticism over its rapid timeline and potential issues.