Legal medical marijuana on deck as Ohio lawmakers near break

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A proposal to legalize medical marijuana in Ohio squeaked through a critical Senate panel Wednesday over opposition of some Republicans and Democrats, signaling a busy day of political deal-cutting ahead as lawmakers head into their summer break.

The Senate Government Oversight & Reform Committee’s 7-to-5 vote set the stage for probable passage of the marijuana bill out of both legislative chambers by the end of the day. Many legislators were anticipating a long night, as the House and Senate planned votes on dozens of bills before they recess until after the November election.

Lawmakers are rushing the marijuana bill out before their summer recess as ammunition against a well-funded medical marijuana issue working its way to fall ballots.

The final bill bars patients from smoking or growing their own marijuana for medical use, but allows its use in vapor form for certain chronic health conditions.

Late changes to the measure bar dispensaries within 1,000 feet of a daycare center, rather than the earlier 500 feet, and prohibit housing discrimination against patients.

Among other proposals up for votes Wednesday were bills to:

Restore a sales tax exemption for residents purchasing rare coins and precious metal bullion. The exemption was eliminated following a 2005 scandal centering around Republican fundraiser and coin dealer Tom Noe.

Let Ohioans register to vote online beginning next year.

Allow a person denied public records the chance to seek relief from the Ohio Court of Claims.

Eliminate the current structure of Ohio’s bipartisan legislative prison watchdog agency.

Prison-rights advocates were pushing back against the latter move, which was being fast-tracked Wednesday. Lawmakers reconstituted the 40-year-old Correctional Institution Inspection Committee in a committee vote Tuesday. The legislation was headed to likely Senate approval Wednesday.

In an open letter to the Senate, executive director Joanna Saul asked for “a full and fair hearing” before the committee structure is replaced.

The amendment requires approval of four people to conduct a prison inspection and dictates a majority of committee members must be present at such reviews. Saul said getting busy lawmakers to attend inspections is difficult. Ohio law was changed in 2008 so they’re not required to attend inspections.

The proposal further removes a legal requirement that all 27 adult and three juvenile prisons be inspected biennially.

A least one legislative proposal that had been slated for action on Wednesday will have to wait until the fall. A House committee shelved a plan to create a new commission to set and review the compensation of public officials in the state. The idea requires approval from Ohio voters.

By Julie Carr Smyth and Ann Sanner

Associated Press

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