[Ohio-Talk] HB 188 Update

[Eric Duffy]

For the last few weeks there was some consideration being given to an amendment to HB 188 that would have simply gutted our Bill. Richard and I have been communicating with members of the General Assembly, and we no longer have to worry about such an amendment. Here is the email we received from Kelsey Hopkins in representative Crawley’s office and my reply. This should all be pretty clear. 
Good morning Richard and Eric, 
 
I have an update to the HB 188 amendment, Representative Crawley spoke with Representative Butler and he now agrees that the bill language should remain “clear and convincing evidence”. He also asked if Representative Crawley is open to expanding the bill to all disabilities and she is, so we are working with LSC to draft an amendment including all disabilities as defined by the ADA. I will keep you posted as I continue to receive information on hearings and votes. Please let me know if you have any questions.  
 
Thank you, 
 
Kelsey Hopkins



Good morning Kelsey, 
Thank you so much. This is good news. Expanding the Bill to protect the rights of all parents with disabilities as defined under the ADA makes good sense and will certainly garner broader support.