Making Laws from Street to State
Whether you're advocating for sidewalk repairs or statewide reform, understanding how laws are written and passed in Ohio is key to making change. Here's your guide to the process—layered, local, and surprisingly accessible.
City Level: Local Ordinances and Home Rule
Ohio cities operate under Home Rule Authority, meaning they can pass laws to govern themselves—as long as they don’t conflict with state or federal law.
How it works:
A city council member or mayor proposes an ordinance.
It’s reviewed in committee, then debated and voted on by the full council.
If passed, it’s signed by the mayor and becomes law.
Fun fact: Berea, like many Ohio cities, has a charter that outlines its legislative process. You can often find meeting agendas and minutes on the city website.
County Level: Resolutions and Administrative Rules
Counties pass resolutions through their Boards of Commissioners. These can cover everything from public health to zoning.
How it works:
A commissioner or county administrator drafts a resolution.
It’s discussed in public meetings (usually weekly).
If approved by a majority vote, it’s adopted and enforced.
Note: Counties like Cuyahoga and Summit have charter governments, giving them more flexibility in lawmaking.
State Level: Bills, Committees, and the Governor’s Desk
At the state level, laws are passed by the Ohio General Assembly, which includes the House (99 representatives) and Senate (33 senators).
How it works:
Drafting: A legislator writes a bill, often based on constituent input.
Introduction: The bill gets a number and enters the legislative pipeline.
Committee Review: Experts and citizens testify; amendments may be added.
First Hearing: Sponsor testimony
Second Hearing: Proponent testimony (supporter)
Third Hearing: Opponent/interested party testimony
Note: Sometimes hearings can change!
Floor Debate and Vote: If it passes one chamber, it moves to the other.
Concurrence and Governor: If both chambers agree, it goes to the governor to sign or veto.
Terms to Know
✔️ General Assembly (G.A.): Ohio lawmakers work in two-year periods called General Assemblies. If a bill doesn’t pass by the end of the term, it expires and must be reintroduced in the next one.
✔️ Lame Duck: This happens at the end of a General Assembly, after the election but before new legislators take office. During this time, lawmakers often try to pass major bills they’ve worked on for the past two years. Next Lame Duck Session: Mid-November to Mid-December 2026
✔️ Supermajority: This means a vote that’s bigger than a simple majority—usually two-thirds or three-fifths of lawmakers must agree for certain major actions to pass, like overriding a governor’s veto or changing the state constitution. It’s used to make sure bigger decisions have broader support, not just a slim majority.
✔️ Session: Refers to two things:
The general time of year when legislators are actively working.
The specific days when they gather in the chamber to debate and vote on bills.
Bonus: If the governor does nothing for 10 days, the bill becomes law automatically.
🔗 How a Bill Becomes a Law – Ohio Senate
🔗 The Legislative Process – Ohio Legislature
Want to Influence a Law?
✔️ Show up at public meetings (city council, county commission, legislative hearings).
✔️ Submit testimony—written or spoken. You can watch it happen here for free!
Step One: Write your testimony. Keep it short and to the point. If many people are testifying, you may only get 2–3 minutes to speak.
Step Two: Go to the Committee’s website and upload your testimony. Do this at least 24 hours before the hearing.
Step Three: Fill out the witness form when you upload your testimony. This gives the committee the info they need.
Done?
If you're submitting written-only testimony, that's it—you’re finished.
If you're speaking in person, just show up on the day of the hearing.
✔️ Build coalitions with neighbors and advocacy groups.
✔️ Track bills via the Ohio Legislature website.
✔️ Call the one or two aides on that main line—you’ll flood it and start building relationships.
Turning Opinions Into Plans
Understanding how laws are made can help you speak up and shape your community. Whether you're pushing for a safer sidewalk or standing up for statewide change, knowing the steps turns your opinion into a plan.
