Five things to know for Monday, Nov. 3

Bill would require locations to accept cash

State Rep. David Thomas, R-Jefferson, has introduced House Bill 554, the Currency Access to Spend Here, or CASH, Act, which aims to ensure Ohioans can pay with cash at businesses and government entities. The measure would require that, for any transaction of $500 or less, businesses and government entities provide at least one point-of-sale location that accepts cash.

“It’s simple, cash is the basis for business in America. Our taxpayers should always have the ability to use cash in their daily lives,” state Rep. David Thomas, R-Jefferson, said in a release. “I hear from residents who may not trust virtual payment options or just prefer to use physical cash. This bill balances the needs of government and business to be efficient with the ability to still rely on physical currency.”

Bill would require human development video in schools

House Bill 485, the Baby Olivia Act, would require schools to include a “medically accurate video” on early human development in their curriculum.

“The Baby Olivia Act is about ensuring students learn the wonder of human development through a lens of science and truth,” state Representative Melanie Miller, R-Ashland, said in a release. “When students can see through medically accurate visuals how life begins and grows, it deepens both their understanding of biology and their appreciation for the incredible gift of life itself.”

Bill would allow quicker application to CQE program

The Ohio House has passed House Bill 268, which updates the Certificate of Qualification for Employment program, allowing people to apply for a program one year after their release from incarceration. Currently, people with a felony conviction must finish up to five years of Community Control Sanctions and wait another year before they can apply for a CQE.

“This legislation supports rehabilitation and helps individuals who have served their time get back on their feet,” state Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, R-New Waterford, said in a release. “By aligning the CQE timeline with the housing program, we’re removing unnecessary barriers and empowering more Ohioans to rebuild their lives and contribute to our workforce.”

DeWine names Partika to head Ohio Department of Medicaid

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said he would nominate Scott R. Partika to serve as the next director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid. He replaces Maureen Corcoran, who announced her retirement in September.

Partika started working for DeWine in 2020 as an assistant policy director covering health and human services before stepping into his current role as the governor’s policy director. The Ohio Senate must confirm the nomination.

Williams lauds Trump’s mention of Toledo

State Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Twp., praised President Donald Trump for highlighting Toledo, Ohio, during remarks in Japan last week.

“Even when he’s on the other side of the world, President Trump never forgets Toledo’s blue-collar workers,” Williams said in a statement. “Thank you, Mr. President, for remembering and honoring the hard-working Northwest Ohioans. We are proud to have so many manufacturers and farmers call Toledo home, creating thousands of jobs for our community and strengthening our workforce.”