Proposed health, mask bills draw mixed reaction

Bills would hold county boards accountable, terminate mask orders.

Legislation has been proposed that would allow Ohio’s 88 boards of county commissioners the authority to terminate or modify any countywide order issued by a county Board of Health.

State Rep. Larry Householder, R-Glenford, introduced the legislation Thursday which he says would hold county health boards accountable for countywide health orders. If adopted by the General Assembly, a countywide order from a board of health could be terminated or modified through a simple resolution approved by a board of county commissioners.

“Unelected boards need to be held accountable by elected officials, such as our county commissioners who are chosen by the people they serve, to make decisions,” said Householder. “This bill adds a well-deserved balance between the people and the unelected board, something our state so desperately needs during these times we’ve been facing.”

The legislation notes that the

Warren County Commissioner David Young likes the idea of more power over orders of county health board.

order or regulation issued by a county board of health must apply throughout the general health district in order for a board of county commissioners to terminate or modify the order.

In the past, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine has vetoed bills that would limit the power of public health orders.

Another COVID-19 bill expected to be introduced this week by state Rep. Jena Powell, R-Arcanum would terminate the statewide mask mandate in Ohio.

“Sixteen states currently do not have a statewide mask mandate,” Powell said. “These states are thriving economically, mentally, and emotionally.”

Powell’s proposed legislation would prohibit any statewide mask mandates by the governor or any department director during the duration of the COVID-19 state of emergency, unless approved by

Health orders