Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Ohio Statehouse this week to protest a Republican plan to make it harder to amend the Ohio constitution. The state Supreme Court explained its definition of theft, and we checked out what Ohio’s election integrity unit has done.
We break down what it all means on this week’s episode of Ohio Politics Explained. A podcast created by the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau to get you up to speed on the state’s political news in 15 minutes or less.
This week, anchor Anna Staver was joined by reporter Laura Bischoff.
Burglary vs Robbery
Ohio’s highest court ruled this week that stealing a leaf blower while the homeowner is gardening is not theft.
In September 2020, Donald Bertram parked in front of Timothy Huff’s house, pulled into his open garage, grabbed a $500 leaf blower and drove off. Huff told a jury that Bertram smiled the entire time, even when he asked her to turn off the blower.
The Scioto County Supreme Court sentenced Bertram to eight to twelve years for the robbery, but the Ohio Supreme Court overturned that sentence.
“Bertram did not commit theft under Ohio law because he did not gain access to Huff’s garage by force, stealth or deception,” according to the unanimous decision.
The court recommended charging Bertram with criminal trespass.
No session, no problem?
Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, adjourned the session this week, raising questions about whether a Republican plan to make it harder to amend the state constitution will make it to voters this week. august
The resolution, which would need voter approval, would raise the bar for changes from 50% plus one vote to 60%.
Ohio eliminated the August election last year, but a vote on the issue in November 2023 could coincide with another constitutional amendment to protect access to abortion.
Basically, those who oppose abortion like Ohio Right to Life, want this amendment to be voted on first to make it harder for abortion rights supporters. But not all Republicans think it’s a good idea.
“I suggest we hold the vote on the constitutional amendment in March 2024 to maximize turnout,” said Rep. Jon Cross, R-Kenton. “I am 100% pro-life and I am working on a winnable solution with a path to victory.”
Prohibition of non-consensual monitoring
It’s not a crime in Ohio to hide a Bluetooth tracking device like the Apple AirTag in someone’s car, but one state lawmaker thinks it should be.
“Technology is wonderful, and I embrace it,” said Rep. Tom Patton, R-Strongsville. “But using these devices criminally should be a criminal act.”
House Bill 91 would criminalize knowingly “installing a tracking device or application on another person’s property without the person’s consent” as a first-degree misdemeanor.
What does the Election Integrity Division do?
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose created the Public Integrity Division last year to address a “crisis of trust” in our elections.
The new unit was touted as dedicated to investigating voter fraud, assisting local prosecutors and educating voters. And that is largely what has been done.
For example, the division helped uncover bad actors collecting signatures for the NoLabels party, which seeks third parties. been in Ohio − to register dead or unregistered voters.
Listen to “Ohio Politics Explained” on Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts and TuneIn Radio. The episode is also available by clicking the link in this article.
USA TODAY Network’s Ohio Bureau serves The Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 affiliated news organizations throughout Ohio.
