Glossary
A formal break in a voting session of the General Assembly. Questions pending at the time of recess are resumed without any motion to that effect.
An analysis (named for its red cover) prepared by the Legislative Service Commission's Legislative Budget Office staff at the beginning of the legislative budget process that examines the executive budget proposal for an individual state agency. A Redbook typically contains a brief summary of the agency and the provisions of the executive budget that affect the agency. They also include a detailed analysis of the executive budget recommendations for the agency, including funding for each appropriation line item. See also Greenbook.
Beginning January 1, 2021, the Commission responsible for drawing the Ohio General Assembly districts based on the state's population as determined in the latest decennial U.S. Census. The seven-member Commission consists of the Governor, the Auditor of State, the Secretary of State, one person appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one person appointed by the House Minority Leader, one person appointed by the President of the Senate, and one person appointed by the Senate Minority Leader.
The redrawing of congressional districts according to the state's population as determined by the decennial U.S. Census. Beginning in 2021, the Ohio Constitution requires the General Assembly to adopt a congressional district plan by a specified bipartisan vote and in the form of a bill by September 30. If the General Assembly does not do so, the Ohio Redistricting Commission must adopt a plan by a specified bipartisan vote by October 31. If the Commission does not adopt a plan by that date, the General Assembly must adopt a plan by November 30.
The redrawing of Ohio House of Representatives and Senate districts according to the state's population as determined by the decennial U.S. Census. Formerly, the Apportionment Board drew new boundaries every ten years. Effective January 1, 2021, the Ohio Redistricting Commission will be responsible for drawing the boundaries every ten years. See also Ohio Redistricting Commission.
The power of the people to approve or disapprove any law (other than a law levying taxes, appropriating money for current operating expenses, or declaring an emergency) passed by the General Assembly. A referendum petition may be filed within 90 days after a law has been filed by the Governor with the Secretary of State. If the Secretary of State validates the petition, the Secretary submits the law to the voters for their approval or rejection.
To revoke or annul a law or rule by legislative action.
A formal written expression of the opinion or will of the legislature, the subject matter of which would not properly constitute a statute. Types of resolutions include:
Simple Resolution - A formal written expression of a house, adopted only by that house, relating to its organization or extending recognition to individuals or organizations.
Concurrent Resolution - A formal expression of the intent or wish of the legislature. This type of resolution may originate in either house but must be adopted by both houses. Concurrent resolutions most often deal with joint procedural matters, communications to Congress, and invalidation of administrative and court rules.
Joint Resolution - A formal written expression of the General Assembly's opinions and wishes usually reserved for matters required by the Constitution or statutes to be in joint resolution form such as proposing amendments to the Ohio Constitution, ratifying amendments to the U.S. Constitution, and calling for a federal constitutional convention. To become effective, a joint resolution must be adopted by both houses.
The codified law of the state, often abbreviated ORC or RC. Commercial versions of the Code, published privately, include annotations and other reference material. Codified law is sometimes informally referred to as "permanent law."
The Revised Code is divided into titles, chapters, sections, and supplemental sections. Each subdivision of the Revised Code indicates increasing specificity regarding the topic addressed. For example, Title 29 of the Revised Code addresses criminal law generally, and each chapter and its sections provide increasing levels of detail.
You can determine the title, chapter, and section (and, if relevant, supplemental section) of the Revised Code from the number:
R.C. 101.21 ? Title 1, Chapter 1, Section 21
R.C. 3301.0720 ? Title 33, Chapter 1, Section 7, and Supplemental Section 20.
A vote of a house in which each member's individual vote is recorded by name.
Legislative rules of procedure adopted at the beginning of each General Assembly. Both the House of Representatives and Senate adopt rules that are printed in the Journals of the respective houses.
A standing committee in both the House and Senate that (1) refers bills and resolutions to another standing committee for consideration and (2) under its rules function, schedules the agenda for floor sessions and performs other responsibilities as might be assigned. During some General Assemblies, the House and the Senate have created a separate Reference Committee and Rules Committee to perform these functions. See also Standing Committee.