Five things to know for Wednesday, Dec. 10

Senate signs off on marijuana, hemp legislation

The Ohio Senate voted 22-7 to advance Senate Bill 56, accepting a conference report on legislation that ostensibly overhauls the Buckeye State’s recreational marijuana laws. The measure also regulates intoxicating hemp products.

Lawmakers advanced the measure despite stiff opposition from the marijuana advocacy group NORML. It now heads to Republican Gov. Mike DeWine for his consideration.

Lear shares insights with Ohio.News. State Rep. Beth Lear, R-Galena, spoke with Ohio. News about her upcoming state Senate run and other top issues, including property taxes. “If you’re going to say that you’re conservative, there has to be evidence that you’ve done conservative things… even when you’re not elected,” Lear told Ohio.News for a story publishing today. “You need to do what you said you would do.”

Buckeye Institute files brief in Michigan case. The Buckeye Institute has filed another amicus brief, this time in a Michigan case. The Columbus think tank wants the U.S. Supreme Court to reaffirm that home equity theft violates homeowners’ constitutional rights, something the court affirmed in a separate case two years ago.

Franklin County passes $2.2 billion budget. The Franklin County Board of Commissioners passed a nearly $2.2 billion 2026 budget. “Passing this budget reflects our responsibility to the people of Franklin County,” Board President Erica C. Crawley said in a release. “As we navigate a complex fiscal landscape, we remain fully committed to providing strong public services, making thoughtful investments in our community, and protecting the taxpayers who depend on us every day.”

Six arrested in Ashland area sting. State agents arrested six men they said were attempting to buy sex during a one-day undercover sting, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider announced. The H.E.A.L. Task Force undertook the operation in the Ashland area on Dec. 5 to identify potential victims of human trafficking and arrest men looking to pay for sex. The Ashland City Police Department and Safe Haven of Ashland participated in the sting.