Scoop: Ohio groups demand return of Statehouse access
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Ohio civic organizations want lawmakers to reverse a new rule banning the public from Statehouse hallways and a lobby outside the House Chamber immediately before and after sessions.
- Another recent change removed a required 24-hour notice before a bill gets a House floor vote.
Why it matters: Citizens often convene in these spaces to protest legislation. In a letter to the General Assembly, the coalition of groups say the changes "blatantly attack Ohioans' First Amendment rights to assemble and be heard at the People's House."
State of play: The group of 59 organizations includes the ACLU of Ohio, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, Equality Ohio, the Ohio Council of Churches and Kaleidoscope Youth Center. They collectively represent over 200,000 Ohioans.
What they're saying: The letter, provided first to Axios, calls the House hallways "a critical space for free speech and direct engagement with elected officials" and says the 24-hour notice gives Ohioans "the opportunity to testify and express our concerns or support for legislation."
- "Ohioans do not want more space between them and their elected officials — what are you trying to hide and who are you trying to hide from with these new rules?"
The other side: Ohio Republicans defend the changes as necessary for streamlining sessions and bolstering security, pointing to the Senate's lack of a 24-hour notice period.
- In a statement to Axios, a spokesperson for House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said the public is "welcome to watch sessions in-person from the gallery" and said the changes are meant "to maintain a secure environment in and around the House Chamber."