To enact section 125.03 of the Revised Code to prohibit the state or a political subdivision from purchasing a United States or Ohio flag that was not made in the United States.
Summary
HB223 would add a new section to the Ohio Revised Code prohibiting state agencies and political subdivisions from using public funds to buy U.S. flags or Ohio flags unless those flags are made in the United States. The bill defines “state agency” broadly to include state government bodies and defines “political subdivision” to include counties, townships, municipal corporations, and other local governmental entities.
In practical terms, the bill creates a domestic-manufacturing requirement for government purchases of American and Ohio flags. It does not regulate private purchases or the sale of flags generally; instead, it limits how public money may be spent by state and local governments when acquiring these symbols.
Impact
If enacted, HB223 would create a new purchasing restriction in state procurement law by adding section 125.03 to the Revised Code. State agencies and local governments would need to ensure that any U.S. or Ohio flags bought with public funds are made in the United States, which could affect procurement policies, vendor selection, and contract compliance for government entities across Ohio.
Sentiment
The available context shows the bill was introduced and referred to the House Government Oversight Committee, with no recorded votes or committee testimony provided. Based on the bill’s subject matter and sponsorship, the measure appears to be framed positively as a patriotic and domestic-support policy, but the record supplied does not show any formal debate or opposition on the merits.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the practical effect of a domestic-content requirement on public purchasing, including whether compliant flags are readily available, whether the rule could raise costs, and how agencies would verify that a flag was made in the United States. Another possible issue is the scope of the restriction, which applies to both state and local governments and to both U.S. and Ohio flags purchased with public funds.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.