7.6 Finding & Tracking Bills & Resolutions

If you’re interested in identifying legislation and seeing where it stands in the decision-making process, the Ohio Legislature’s Legislation Search Tool is a valuable resource. Whether you’re tracking a specific policy issue, researching a topic for school, or simply staying informed about changes to Ohio’s laws, understanding how to find and follow legislation can be very useful.

The tool helps you identify both proposed and enacted legislation. Proposed legislation includes bills or resolutions currently under review by the legislature, while enacted legislation refers to those that have completed the process and are now law.

Key Features of the Tool  

• Search by General Assembly – You can filter results based on the General Assembly session. For example, the link defaults to the 135th General Assembly.

• Keyword Search – Enter specific terms related to a bill’s subject, such as “education funding” or “gun rights.”

• Bill Number Search – If you know the specific bill number, you can search for it directly to find detailed information.

• Sort and Filter Options – Customize the display by sorting results by bill number, status, or date and filtering based on criteria like bill type (e.g., House Bill or Senate Bill).

How to Use the Tool  

• Enter Keywords or Criteria – Start by typing a topic or phrase into the search bar.

• Review the Results – A list of matching bills will appear, showing the bill number, title, and a brief description.

• Click on a Bill – Select any bill to view its full text, sponsors, and current status.

• Track Legislation – Use the “Track This Bill” feature to monitor updates on specific bills, such as committee assignments or votes.

Why It’s Useful

• Stay Informed – The tool allows you to follow legislation affecting Ohioans and understand how the legislative process unfolds.

• Research Tool – It’s invaluable for analyzing current policy debates and identifying trends in Ohio lawmaking.

• Class Assignments – Use it to find legislation for case studies or policy analysis projects.

This tool is useful for anyone interested in Ohio’s legislative process – whether you’re a student, a researcher, or an engaged citizen.