Rep. Deeter Announces Three Bills Passed by the House

State Representative Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk) today announced that three bills she's championed, House Bill 163, House Bill 593, and House Bill 639, were passed by the Ohio House.

House Bill 163, a bipartisan piece of legislation, creates chip-enabled EBT cards for SNAP program participants. This legislation would help prevent skimming, a common kind of theft that allows scammers to collect card information and PINs.

"House Bill 163 is a commonsense step to better protect Ohio families and taxpayer dollars. Criminals are increasingly using skimming devices to steal SNAP benefits from vulnerable Ohioans, often leaving families without access to funds they depend on for food and basic necessities," said Deeter. "By transitioning EBT cards to more secure chip technology, we can significantly reduce fraud, safeguard benefits for those who need them, and strengthen public confidence in the integrity of these programs. I am proud to support a solution that protects both beneficiaries and taxpayers."

House Bill 593 imposes requirements on those insurance companies that pay a benefit to an employer when that employer's employees take certain types of family leave, allowing the employer to pay all or a portion of the employee's salary over this time.

"House Bill 593 provides Ohio families with more options and greater financial security during some of life's most important moments," said Deeter. "Whether welcoming a new child, caring for a loved one, or recovering from a serious health condition, Ohioans deserve the opportunity to plan for these events without facing unnecessary financial hardship."

Additionally, House Bill 639 - also known as the Right to Race Bill - works to create a clear legal framework for nuisance claims involving racing facilities and racetracks across the state. The bill would establish a complete legal defense for racing facilities against certain nuisance claims regarding activities such as noise, traffic, dust, or lighting.

"House Bill 639 is about fairness, common sense, and protecting Ohio traditions," said Deeter. "Across our state, racetracks have operated for generations, creating jobs, supporting local economies, and providing family-friendly entertainment. Too often, new development occurs around these long-established facilities, only for those same facilities to face nuisance lawsuits over activities that have existed for years. This legislation provides certainty for racetracks while preserving all existing environmental, health, and safety protections. Ohio's motorsports industry contributes billions to our economy, supports thousands of jobs, and serves as an important part of our state's heritage. HB 639 helps ensure these facilities can continue operating and investing in their communities for years to come."

All three bills now advance to the Ohio Senate.