Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a bill Friday, as promised, that would have prohibited criminal penalties for violations of state or local health orders related to the coronavirus pandemic as the number of daily cases hit a new record of 1,679 cases.
The legislation, which was sponsored by Republican State Senator Theresa Gavarone would instead have allowed fines of not more than $100 for violating a local order and not more than $150 for violating a state order.
DeWine, a fellow Republican, spoke out against the legislation, labeling it “a tragic mistake” that would keep governments from taking bold action against the COVID-19 crisis.
