COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Statehouse is gearing up to closely follow several key state government stories in 2024, ranging from pivotal Ohio General Assembly races to contentious legislative battles over Medicaid, guns, marijuana, and abortion. Here are the significant developments anticipated:

  1. Aftermath of DeWine’s Veto on Minor Gender Affirming Care Ban:
    Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s recent veto of a bill restricting minor gender-affirming care has ignited a legislative tug-of-war. The Ohio House and Senate’s Republican supermajority is contemplating an override, with leaders expressing eagerness. However, the override process must initiate in the House, leaving the timeline uncertain. The veto also raises questions about DeWine’s stance on future transgender-focused legislation during his final term.
  2. Recreational Marijuana and Issue 2 Reform:
    Since the enactment of Issue 2, allowing possession and cultivation of marijuana for individuals 21 and older, the legislature grapples with reforms. Governor DeWine and the Senate proposed measures, including tax increases and THC content limits, while the House favors retaining the current law. The discord poses challenges in shaping a consensus on marijuana regulations.
  3. Contentious Gun Control Efforts Stalled in House:
    House Republicans confront a dilemma over House Bill 51, known as the Second Amendment Preservation Act, dividing opinions on expanding gun rights. The legislation, opposed by law enforcement, faces hurdles due to concerns about lawsuits and fines for infractions. The bill’s fate remains uncertain, with House leadership yet to reveal their plans.
  4. Legal Challenges to Abortion Laws & Issue 1 Fallout:
    Despite the passage of Issue 1, safeguarding abortion rights, legal challenges are expected against existing abortion laws. Throughout 2024, lawsuits will challenge regulations on abortion clinics, potentially addressing waiting periods and specific abortion methods. The Ohio Supreme Court will play a crucial role in interpreting the new constitutional amendment.
  5. Primary & General Elections:
    The upcoming elections in 2024 will witness Ohio House representatives and some state senators seeking re-election. Dayton’s representation in the Ohio House and Senate is set to change, with several incumbents facing intra-party challenges and others contending with term limits. Notably, Senate President Matt Huffman may switch to the Ohio House, setting the stage for a leadership battle.
  6. Possible Changes to Aggressive Ohio Medicaid Estate Recovery Policy:
    The Ohio Department of Medicaid faces scrutiny over its aggressive estate recovery policy following an investigation. Public input calls for scaling down the policy, characterized by placing liens on Medicaid recipients’ properties. Potential changes to the program are under consideration, driven by concerns about the impact on families and the relatively low collection rates.

James Miller is a journalist for the Guardian.