Ohio lawmakers override Dewine veto on SB 22

State lawmakers voted to override Governor Mike Dewine’s veto of Senate Bill 22, which gives legislators the ability to cancel emergency orders after a certain time period. A veto override requires a three-fifths vote from both the House and Senate; the Senate voted 23-10, and the House voted 62-35 to override.

Sen. Rob Mccolley (R-napoleon) released the following statement regarding the Senate's veto override Senate Bill 22:

"It is unfortunate that we've come to this point. Senate Bill 22 is a strong vehicle for restoring the natural separation of powers that is essential to the function of our government. This bill does not prevent the executive branch from issuing heath orders or acting swiftly in times of crisis. Simply, this bill restores reasonable checks and balances which all branches of government are subject to, no matter how well intentioned their actions may be. I am thankful to my colleagues in the Senate for voting to override the veto and I thank the members of the House for doing the same."

Rep. Craig S. Riedel (R-defiance) said it was about establishing checks and balances.

“The legislature sent a clear message today that we want our constituents to be heard during a state emergency,” Riedel said. “Restoring these common-sense checks and balances protects our democracy and provides greater government transparency.”

Provisions in the bill give the legislature the ability to oversee orders issued by any department under the administration in response to public health emergencies. Orders may be extended or rescinded by the General Assembly.

“We are honoring the wishes and demands of many Ohioans who cherish their freedoms and liberties,” Riedel said.

The bill also ensures that local communities may determine the course of local health orders. As a result, the bill provides parameters for local boards of health in which they must operate when issuing county and district wide orders.

“It was long overdue,” Riedel said. “One branch of government should never have that much power. We have leveled the playing field for all Ohioans.”

Riedel expected the bill to improve relationships in the General Assembly.

“We’ve gotten (Gov. Dewine’s) attention, that we expect and demand that he allow us to participate in these conversations and in these decisions,” Riedel said. “It brings the governor to the table.”

Riedel noted that 26 other states already have similar legislation on the books.