Ohio Constitution Article II - Legislative
Here is a summary of Article II - Legislative of the Ohio Constitution:
Ohio Constitution – Article II: Legislative
Overview:
Article II establishes the legislative branch of the state government, known as the General Assembly, which consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Key Provisions:
Section 1 – Legislative Power
All legislative power is vested in the General Assembly of Ohio.
The people reserve the power of initiative and referendum, allowing them to propose and vote on laws.
Sections 2-3 – House of Representatives and Senate
The House of Representatives members are elected every two years.
The Senate is composed of members elected to four-year terms, with one-half elected every two years.
Section 4 – Eligibility
Legislators must be U.S. citizens, residents of Ohio for at least one year, and residents of their districts.
Section 5 – Rules and Discipline
Each house determines its own rules, punishes members for disorderly conduct, and may expel a member with a two-thirds vote.
Section 6 – Compensation
Legislators receive compensation and expenses as prescribed by law but cannot receive other public salaries during their term.
Sections 7-11 – Legislative Process
A bill must be read on three different days in each house unless a three-fourths majority suspends this rule.
Bills must contain only one subject, clearly expressed in the title.
The governor has the power to veto, which can be overridden by a three-fifths vote in both houses.
Section 15 – Enactment of Laws
Outlines the process for how a bill becomes law, including signing, veto, and override procedures.
Section 16 – Effective Date of Laws
Laws take effect 90 days after filing, unless declared emergency legislation (which requires a two-thirds vote).
Section 17 – Impeachment
The House has the sole power to impeach, and the Senate conducts the trial, requiring a two-thirds vote to convict.
Section 22 – Term Limits
Legislators are term-limited: no more than eight years in each chamber during a 16-year period.
Summary:
Article II of the Ohio Constitution provides the framework for the state’s legislative process, the structure and powers of the General Assembly, and ensures a balance between legislative authority and public participation through mechanisms like the initiative and referendum.
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