6.17 Legislative Oversight

In addition to lawmaking, Ohio state legislators serve their constituents by overseeing executive branch agencies. For example, a state legislative committee could hold a hearing to review the performance and budget of a particular state agency to ensure the agency is effectively managing its programs and resources. This is an example of checks and balances. The Ohio General Assembly employs additional tools for oversight, including the establishment of permanent oversight committees to monitor the executive branch’s activities. One example is the Correctional Institution Inspection Committee, responsible for inspecting private and state-operated adult prisons and jails operated by the Department of Youth Services.

Legislators also review and have the power to invalidate administrative rules issued by state agencies through the influential Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). Comprising five members each from the House and Senate, JCARR ensures balanced representation by limiting membership to three members from the same political party per body. Although JCARR cannot directly invalidate a rule, it can recommend such action to the General Assembly.

Additional oversight is provided by the Controlling Board and the Sunset Review Committee, which evaluates agencies on a set schedule, potentially terminating those that fail to justify their existence.