Tri County News

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives successfully voted to override Governor DeWine's veto of House Bill 68, which includes the Ohio SAFE Act and the Save Women's Sports Act. The SAFE Act aims to protect minors from undergoing experimental, sterilizing, and irreversible procedures, while the Save Women's Sports Act prohibits males from participating in female-only sports.

Representative Powell, who has been championing the Save Women's Sports Act since 2019, expressed her delight at the successful veto override, stating, "Today, we made history as we voted to override the Governor's veto of H.B. 68, protect minors, and uphold the rights of females in Ohio." The override received overwhelming support from the House, with a vote of 65-28.

Powell emphasized the importance of this legislation and the need for its passage, saying, "It's unimaginable that it's taken this long. Protecting the rights, safety, and futures of Ohio women and girls should be obvious." She further highlighted that 23 other states have already enacted similar legislation, with more states currently working towards its implementation.

While the House has fulfilled its role in passing HB 68, the fate of the bill now rests in the hands of the Senate. Powell urged her colleagues in the Senate to join in the effort to override the Governor's veto, stating, "We have done everything we can, and it's up to our colleagues in the Senate to join us."

The Senate is expected to take up the matter at their next session, with a veto override anticipated. Powell expressed her excitement about the Senate's involvement, highlighting its significance in the history of women's rights in Ohio. She conveyed a resolute message to females across the state, saying, "We hear you, and we will fight for you."

The Senate is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, January 24, to deliberate on the veto override and potentially pass the Save Women's Sports Act and the SAFE Act into law.