Schmidt Announces Passage of Makenna’s Law

Ohio House Rep. Jean Schmidt

also Condemns Biden on Afghanistan Crisis

OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMUNICATIONS

COLUMBUS, OH (October 18, 2021) – The Ohio House of Representatives, on October 13, passed House Bill 178, which enacts Makenna’s Law to limit water pressure at pools.

The bill is sponsored by State Representatives Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) and Adam Miller (D-Columbus).

“I am so glad to see Makenna’s Law passed by the House today,” said Schmidt. “Waterparks are places where children and families can enjoy their time; not places that parents should be afraid of their child getting hurt.”

H.B. 178 was introduced after Makenna Day, then seven-years-old, was seriously injured after she was standing over a water feature when it activated. Makenna underwent surgery and many follow up appointments after the incident.

Schmidt noted that Makenna and her mother, Kim Manion, testified during the bills second hearing in the House Health Committee.

“I am so proud of Makenna for being brave and sharing her story with the Health Committee,” Schmidt said. “I know that Makenna and her family are glad to see this legislation move to the Senate, and I look forward to working with my colleagues over there to get this legislation sent to the Governor as soon as possible.”

The bill passed with a vote of 86-8, and now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

State Representative Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) on Wednesday, October 13, also provided sponsor testimony on House Resolution 104, which condemns President Biden for a failed exit strategy in Afghanistan and urges Congress to investigate the administrations failures.

“I am not here to question whether or not our military should have left Afghanistan, I’m condemning the way we left,” said Schmidt. “I do not think we should have been in a forever war, and there should have been plans to evacuate people out over a period of time.”

Schmidt noted the resolution is also to honor the men and women who have lost their lives in Afghanistan, both Americans and Afghan civilians who sacrificed their lives to be an ally to the U.S.

“We must never forget these brave heroes,” Schmidt said. “The Biden Administration is responsible for the lives lost and needs to be held accountable for failing these men and women.”

H.R. 104 now awaits further consideration in the House Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committee.

State Representative Jean Schmidt is serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 65^th house district, which includes northwestern Clermont County.

For more information, contact Rep. Schmidt’s office at (614) 466-8134 or rep65@ohiohouse.gov.