Category: Legislative Committee

Amendment Proposal: Elimination of Townships and Reallocation of Their Powers and Responsibilities

Section 1: Purpose

The purpose of this amendment is to streamline local governance in the State of Ohio by eliminating the township form of government and redistributing its powers, responsibilities, and resources to counties and municipalities. This change aims to reduce redundancy, enhance governmental efficiency, and improve service delivery to Ohio residents.

Section 2: Elimination of Townships

(A) Effective [insert date], the township form of government is hereby abolished in the State of Ohio.

(B) All legal, administrative, and fiscal functions currently exercised by township governments shall be reassigned to counties and municipalities in accordance with this amendment.

Section 3: Redistribution of Powers and Responsibilities

(A) County governments shall assume responsibility for:
(1) Road maintenance and infrastructure formerly under township control.
(2) Zoning and land-use planning not currently managed by municipalities.
(3) Cemetery operations and maintenance.
(4) Any additional services or responsibilities as determined by the General Assembly.

(B) Municipalities shall assume jurisdiction over local services within their existing boundaries, including:
(1) Law enforcement and fire protection where previously provided by townships.
(2) Local parks and recreation services.

(C) The General Assembly shall establish a transitional commission to oversee the reassignment of responsibilities, ensuring continuity of services for all Ohio residents.

Section 4: Transfer of Assets and Liabilities

(A) All township assets, including but not limited to real property, equipment, financial accounts, and records, shall be transferred to the respective county or municipality based on the location of the asset or the nature of its use.

(B) All township liabilities, including but not limited to outstanding debts and contractual obligations, shall be assumed by counties or municipalities in proportion to their jurisdictional authority or benefit.

(C) The General Assembly shall enact laws to facilitate the equitable redistribution of township resources.

Section 5: Transitional Governance

(A) A temporary commission, known as the Ohio Township Transition Commission, shall be established within 90 days of this amendment’s ratification.
(1) The Commission shall include representatives from counties, municipalities, and state government.
(2) The Commission shall develop and publish a comprehensive transition plan within one year of its formation.

(B) Township officials holding office on the effective date of this amendment shall serve as advisors to the Transition Commission until their terms expire.

Section 6: Amendments to Existing Laws

(A) The General Assembly shall amend or repeal all state laws that conflict with the elimination of townships as required by this amendment.

(B) Counties and municipalities shall have two years from the effective date of this amendment to adopt ordinances or resolutions necessary to fulfill their new responsibilities.

Section 7: Severability Clause

If any provision of this amendment is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Submission to the Electorate

This amendment shall be submitted to the electors of the State of Ohio at the next general election occurring at least 90 days after its ratification by the General Assembly.

This is a draft proposal for discussion purposes only and not endorsed by FCLPO.

Amendment Proposal: The Freedom of Relationship and Contract Amendment

Section 1: Purpose
The State of Ohio recognizes the inherent right of individuals to form personal relationships and enter into contractual agreements without government interference. This amendment ensures that the regulation of marriage and other relationship contracts remains outside the purview of the state government, preserving personal autonomy and equality under the law.

Section 2: Rights of Individuals
(A) The State of Ohio shall not define, regulate, license, or restrict the formation of personal relationships or contractual agreements between consenting individuals.
(B) No legal distinction shall be made based on the nature, form, or participants of personal relationships or contracts, provided all parties are of legal age and consent.

Section 3: Legal Contracts and Protections
(A) Individuals entering into relationship agreements may establish private contracts to define their rights, responsibilities, and obligations.
(B) Courts shall adjudicate disputes concerning such agreements under existing principles of contract law, without preference or prejudice based on the nature of the relationship.

Section 4: Non-Discrimination
(A) Public and private entities within the State of Ohio shall recognize and treat all private relationship agreements equally under the law.
(B) No individual or group shall be compelled to participate in, recognize, or facilitate any relationship agreement contrary to their beliefs, provided such refusal does not violate other established laws prohibiting discrimination.

Section 5: Transition Provisions
(A) Existing marriage licenses and state-recognized relationship agreements shall remain valid but will no longer require state renewal or oversight.
(B) All references to “marriage” or similar terms in Ohio law shall be interpreted as private agreements between consenting individuals, without requiring government recognition.

Section 6: Severability
If any provision of this amendment is found to be unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

This amendment aims to shift the regulation of personal relationships from the state to the individuals involved, using contract law to protect their agreements while ensuring that discrimination and undue burdens are avoided.

This is a draft proposal for discussion purposes only and not endorsed by FCLPO.

Legislation Proposal: Creation of the Ohio State Bank and Gold-Backed Digital Currency

Section 1: Title This Act shall be known as the “Ohio Economic Stability and Sound Money Act.”

Section 2: Purpose The purpose of this Act is to:

  1. Establish the Ohio State Bank to support the economic growth and financial independence of the State of Ohio.
  2. Introduce and operationalize a gold-backed digital currency (“Ohio Gold Digital Currency”) to provide residents and businesses with a stable and constitutionally compliant alternative to Federal Reserve Notes.
  3. Facilitate real-time currency conversion at points of sale to ensure seamless integration of the Ohio Gold Digital Currency into existing financial systems.
  4. Empower Ohio residents and businesses with greater monetary freedom while stabilizing the regional economy.

Section 3: Establishment of the Ohio State Bank 
(a) Creation: The Ohio State Bank (“OSB”) is hereby established as a publicly-owned financial institution under the oversight of the State of Ohio.
(b) Governance: The OSB shall be managed by a Board of Governors appointed by the Governor of Ohio, subject to confirmation by the State Senate, and shall include representatives from banking, finance, legal, and public sectors.
(c) Functions: The OSB shall:

  1. Manage the issuance and operation of the Ohio Gold Digital Currency.
  2. Serve as a depository institution for state funds and financial transactions.
  3. Offer services to Ohio-chartered banks, credit unions, businesses, and individuals, including loans, investment opportunities, and transaction processing.
  4. Ensure compliance with all state and federal laws.

Section 4: Ohio Gold Digital Currency 
(a) Issuance: The OSB is authorized to issue the Ohio Gold Digital Currency, backed by physical gold reserves held in trust by the bank.
(b) Legal Framework: The Ohio Gold Digital Currency shall:

  1. Be fully compliant with the U.S. Constitution and federal regulations.
  2. Operate as a voluntary alternative to Federal Reserve Notes for transactions within Ohio.
  3. Be redeemable for physical gold at a rate set and maintained by the OSB.
    (c) Technology: The Ohio Gold Digital Currency shall be based on a secure blockchain system ensuring transparency, security, and accessibility.
    (d) Integration: The OSB shall facilitate real-time currency conversion mechanisms, allowing seamless transactions between Federal Reserve Notes and Ohio Gold Digital Currency at participating merchants and financial institutions.

Section 5: Participation 
(a) Eligibility: All Ohio residents, businesses, state-chartered banks, and credit unions may participate in the Ohio Gold Digital Currency system.
(b) Enrollment: Residents and institutions may voluntarily enroll in the program through the OSB or participating financial institutions.

Section 6: Economic Benefits The Ohio Gold Digital Currency aims to:

  1. Provide residents and businesses with a stable monetary alternative amidst inflationary pressures.
  2. Stimulate local economic growth through sound investment backed by a tangible asset.
  3. Expand opportunities for state-chartered banks and credit unions to participate in gold-backed investment and lending initiatives.

Section 7: Funding and Implementation 
(a) Initial Capitalization: The Ohio General Assembly shall allocate funding for the initial establishment of the OSB, including:

  1. Acquisition of gold reserves.
  2. Development of the digital currency platform.
  3. Outreach and education programs for residents and businesses.
    (b) Ongoing Revenue: The OSB shall generate revenue through transaction fees, investment returns, and other financial services.
    (c) Timeline: The OSB and Ohio Gold Digital Currency shall become operational within 18 months of the enactment of this Act.

Section 8: Oversight and Accountability 
(a) Audits: The OSB shall be subject to annual audits by an independent third party to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility.
(b) Reports: The OSB shall submit quarterly reports to the Ohio General Assembly on the performance and adoption of the Ohio Gold Digital Currency.

Section 9: Severability If any provision of this Act is found to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

This is a draft proposal for discussion purposes only and not endorsed by FCLPO.