Five things to know for Tuesday, Oct. 7

Legislation would end public pension pickup

State Representative David Thomas, R-Jefferson, has introduced House Bill 473 to end the pension pickup practice across Ohio government. The bill bars public employers from covering the employee portion of retirement contributions to state pensions, which Thomas said would enhance transparency and accountability.

Buckeye Institute files amicus briefs in two cases

The Buckeye Institute has filed amicus briefs in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court and another pending with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

In McGee v. Alger County Treasurer, the Columbus-based think tank asked the U.S. Supreme Court to safeguard Michigan homeowners from the state’s Fifth Amendment violations. In Ohio Telecom Association v. Federal Communications Commission, the group joined the Washington Legal Foundation’s amicus brief asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit to confirm Congress’ authority over federal rulemaking.

State lawmaker joins annual Ohio March for Life

Last week, Ohio Rep. Adam Mathews, R-Lebanon, joined thousands of Ohioans at the Statehouse in Columbus for the annual Ohio March for Life.

“Today, as we gather under the theme ‘Life: Why We March,’ we’re reminded of the profound truth that every human life – from the newly conceived to her mother, from the healthy to the infirm – is a masterpiece of inherent dignity at every stage,” Mathews said from the stage, according to a release. “In Ohio, we’re committed to building a culture where life thrives.”

Legislation would modify wrongful imprisonment law

State Reps. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Twp., and Elgin Rogers Jr., D-Toledo, introduced legislation to revise the current law for anyone who is wrongfully imprisoned.

“No one who has been wrongfully imprisoned should be denied the opportunity to seek justice and compensation simply because of a technicality in the law,” Williams said in a release. “By updating Ohio’s statute, we ensure that juveniles, individuals who entered Alford pleas, and those who received pardons are treated fairly under the law. This legislation is about correcting past wrongs and bringing Ohio in line with best practices across the nation.”

State certifies 11 law enforcement agencies

The Office of Criminal Justice Services has recertified 11 Ohio law enforcement agencies. Agencies completing the process adopted and implemented the first two standards, which focus on the use of force and hiring and recruitment.

Recertified agencies are the Colerain, Columbus Airport, Kent State University, Lebanon, Ontario, Perry Township, Russells Point, Shaker Heights, Woodmere, and Xenia police departments and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.