Ohio 2025-2026 Regular Session

Ohio House Bill HB243

Filed/Introduced
8/6/26  

Caption

To enact section 5.212 of the Revised Code to designate April 5th as "Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez Ohio Community Service Day."

Summary

HB243 would add a new section to the Ohio Revised Code designating April 5 as "Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez Ohio Community Service Day." The bill is commemorative in nature and does not create a regulatory program, funding mechanism, or enforcement scheme. Its stated purpose is to honor Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez for their leadership in organizing and advocating for migrant farm workers and for their role in founding the United Farm Workers and the National Farm Workers Association. The measure would place this observance into state law as an official day of recognition, encouraging public awareness of the contributions of Huerta and Chavez and the broader history of labor and farmworker organizing. Because the bill only creates a commemorative designation, its direct legal effect is limited to the Ohio Revised Code’s list of state observances and holidays.

Impact

HB243 would amend Ohio law by enacting section 5.212 of the Revised Code to establish an official state observance on April 5. The bill affects no private rights, taxes, benefits, or agency duties beyond the symbolic designation itself. The primary parties affected are state institutions, schools, local governments, and civic organizations that may choose to recognize the day, though the bill does not require any specific action from them.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available legislative context, the sentiment appears broadly positive and noncontroversial. The bill has bipartisan-style sponsorship and cosponsorship, and there is no recorded committee testimony or vote history indicating opposition. The measure’s tone is celebratory and educational, focusing on honoring civil rights, labor, and community service contributions.

Contention

There is little visible contention in the available record because the bill is a symbolic designation rather than a policy change. Any potential disagreement would likely center on whether the state should add another commemorative day to the Revised Code or on the choice of honorees and the historical framing of their activism. However, no specific objections, amendments, or opposing viewpoints are reflected in the provided committee or vote information.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OH HB1

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.

OH HB2

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.

OH SB280

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.

OH HB271

Number state ballot issues consecutively based on prior election

OH SB279

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.