Five things to know for Wednesday, Oct. 8

Legislation would protect Ohioans from AI

Ohio lawmakers are considering legislation to regulate artificial intelligence, aiming to protect Ohioans from the potential downsides of the technology.

House Bill 392 “will require anyone who implements or operates A.I. that interfaces with our critical infrastructure facilities to implement a strictly outlined risk management policy that aligns with federal guidelines,” state Rep. Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, said in prepared testimony to the House Technology and Innovation Committee. “By passing this legislation, we can create a set of rules that balances the need for public safety protocols around A.I. while also signaling to this sector of the economy that Ohio is open for business and innovation.”

Lawmakers looking at PBM legislation

Ohio lawmakers are considering House Bill 192, a measure that prohibits additional accreditation or certification requirements for participating in pharmacy networks.

The legislation “would be paramount to continued neighborhood pharmacy access for patients across Ohio and the improved healthcare outcomes that are consistently derived therefrom,” the National Association of Chain Drug Stores said in written testimony to the House Insurance Committee. “As an industry, PBMs have been highly unregulated. PBMs claim to reduce prescription drug costs, but their practices are key components of skyrocketing healthcare spending.”

Bill would allow online raffles under the Charitable Gaming Law

Proposed legislation, House Bill 476, would allow nonprofit organizations to sell online raffle tickets as part of fundraising efforts, the Massillon Independent reported. The measure, introduced following Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s issuance of cease-and-desist letters, has been assigned to the House Finance Committee.

“Raffles have proven to be a great way for communities to come together in support of a cause,” state Rep. Meredith Craig, R-Smithville, said in a statement to the Massillon Independent. “Legalizing the online sale of raffle tickets will ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate, no matter the location.”

Resolution encourages federal lawmakers to address national debt

State Reps. David Thomas, R-Jefferson, and Roy Klopfenstein, R-Haviland, have introduced House Concurrent Resolution 24, urging Congress to address the burgeoning national debt, which has topped $37 trillion. According to the resolution, the debt amounts to roughly $108,000 per Ohio resident; foreign investors hold more than $8 trillion, including more than $800 billion owned by China.

“Responsible spending doesn’t burden our children and grandchildren with insurmountable debt,” Klopfenstein said in a release. “It is vital that we draw attention to this issue and urge immediate federal action because every delay deepens the debt and indentures the future for the next generation.”

Ohio residents spend the most on groceries

Cleveland residents spend the second-highest percentage of their income on groceries, while Toledo ranked fifth and Cincinnati ranked eighth. Columbus was No. 26.

The finding is part of the new Cities Where People Spend the Most & Least on Groceries report from personal finance site WalletHub. The report, which studied the costs of 26 standard grocery items in 100 of the largest cities, found that Clevelanders spend 3.77% of their income on groceries, higher than Toledo residents (3.09%), Cincinnati residents (2.90%), and Columbus residents (2.28%).