Karen Kasler

Gov. Mike DeWine cited the argument often repeated by Republicans — that protecting the state constitution from "out of state interests" is important. He didn't say why that must be done in August.

Gov. Mike DeWine said shortening the terms of trustees of Ohio's public universities in a bill addressing conservatives' concerns about higher education is a "mistake.”

Republicans say the bill will ensure more "intellectual diversity" on campus, but opponents have turned out by the hundreds over concerns about its language on controversial issues and its ban on most mandatory diversity training and faculty strikes.

A Republican-backed bill would require new standards based on a conservative civics program created by a task force appointed by Ohio lawmakers and the governor.

Ohio lawmakers have passed the resolution to require 60% voter approval for constitutional amendments, which includes an election date that could be disputed in a lawsuit.

The special election on the resolution to make it harder to amend Ohio constitution will be Aug. 8, but it’s possible it will face a legal challenge.

This week could be do-or-die for Ohio House Republicans, who must decide by Wednesday if they’ll ask voters to make it harder to amend the constitution in a statewide special election in August.

Erica Wilson-Domer has been with Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio for 12 years, and will take over as its president and CEO as groups gather signatures for an abortion rights amendment to make the ballot this fall.

Lawmakers have until May 10 to pass a bill to create a special August election and pass a resolution for Ohioans to vote on that would make it harder to amend the constitution.

The political action committee Save Our Constitution is running ads to pressure lawmakers and Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) for the resolution requiring 60% voter approval for amendments.