Ohio Passes Sweeping Coronavirus Legislation On Taxes, Schools

COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio legislature passed a sweeping omnibus bill to move the state forward in the wake of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, crisis. The bill extends Ohio's primary deadline to April 28, waives state testing standards for this school year and more.

The legislation will waive state testing for K-12 schools for this school year, limit the EdChoice voucher program, move the state tax deadline to July 15, bar water shutoffs, and will extend absentee voting to April 28.

" This bill will ensure continuity of government, extended mail-in voting for our primary, clarity for schools and students, relief to workers impacted by COVID-19, and measures to make sure we are prepared to help Ohioans get back to work when this pandemic subsides. I applaud the collaborative work on this bill and look forward to signing it soon," Gov. Mike DeWine said on Monday afternoon. The bill is headed to his desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.

Here are the key tenets of the legislation:

• Absentee voting by mail will be extended until April 28 for the Ohio primary
• State testing will be waived for the 2019-2020 school year and students who were on track to graduate will be allowed to graduate
• EdChoice school buildings will be limited for the 2020-2021 school year
• Schools can use distance learning to make up for missed days or hours of instruction caused by statewide K-12 closures
• The state tax deadline is moved from April 15 to July 15
• State licenses will be valid for longer and Ohioans will have a 90-day period to renew their licenses
• Public bodies will be permitted to meet electronically, as long as the public can attend the meeting digitally
• Water shut-offs are prohibited during the COVID-19 crisis

“In this moment of the Coronavirus crisis, Ohioans need to know that the bipartisan efforts put forth is a reflection of our dedication to keeping the Ohio promise and working for you,” said Rep. Stephanie Howse, a Democrat from Cleveland. “The passage of House Bill 197 will ultimately save lives while also upholding the right of every citizen to vote and have their voice heard during this health emergency.”

Other tenets of the bill are below:

• Recently retired state employees can be rehired at some agencies
• DeWine's unemployment changes were signed into law (eligibility expanded due to COVID-19)

• Child-care centers have expanded staff-to-child ratios and maximum group sizes
• Publicly funded childcare centers will still receive payments from the state
• Suspending staff-to-child ratios and maximum group sizes at child-care centers;
• Recent nursing graduates can obtain a temporary license to practice before passing the licensure exam
• Certified registered nurse anesthetists may be given more authority related to anesthesia care
• The director of Medicaid is given more flexibility to support the healthcare workforce
• Schools are now exempt from food processing requirements (to make sure kids have access to food even if school is shut down)
• Licensed special education teachers can serve students using online methods