Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today announced that House Bill 188—which will establish the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the Ohio Constitution—has passed from the Ohio Senate and now awaits the governor’s signature.

In response to the Legislature’s approval of House Bill 188, Speaker Batchelder released the following statement:

“The prompt passage of House Bill 188 has given us the opportunity to examine Ohio’s highest-governing document in a constructive, bipartisan way. It is important that, as a legislative body, we modernize the framework of our state government and its impact on Ohioans. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues and fellow Ohioans to accomplish this goal and applaud all members for their careful consideration and debate on this bill.”

The commission would be responsible for conducting an in-depth review of Ohio’s constitution, promoting an exchange of experiences and dialogue, considering problems inherent to the process of amending the Constitution, and issuing recommendations to the General Assembly on substantive constitutional amendments.

The commission will be comprised of a total of 32 members—12 bipartisan members of the General Assembly and 20 additional members. Members will serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred while engaging in the performance of official duties.

Senator Larry Obhof (R-Montville) carried House Bill 188 on the Senate floor, which passed from the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.