For reasons that are evident to everyone, there has been renewed focus on whether and when vaccinations can be required. For the most part, the case law on vaccines is older law; the important vaccination cases in the United States court system are typically from the early part of the 20th century.  However, a case did surface out of New York during 2020 and the plaintiffs are trying mightily to get it into the Supreme Court of the United States. The case involved routine childhood vaccinations, but it is a good preview of how COVID vaccine challenges may fare in the courts. 

House activity
The House passed House Bill (HB) 2 by a vote of 91-5. The bill establishes the residential broadband expansion program. The bill was amended in committee to provide additional funding of $150 million in fiscal year (FY) 2022 and includes an emergency clause.

Late on Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Department of Education (USDOE) release updated guidance to support school districts as they continue the return to in-person instruction.

Governor activity

House Finance Committee
The committee held testimony on the executive budget proposal for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Click here for information on the executive budget proposal and here for district-by-district simulations for Student Wellness and Success Funds.

On Feb. 2, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) released updated guidance on the K-12 School Staff Vaccination Program. The new guidance includes an updated K-12 school vaccination timeline as well as more specific definitions as to which K-12 personnel are eligible for the vaccinations.

More specifically, ODH states the following in the new guidelines: