1. Look at the Revised Code Section in Page's or Baldwin's. Find prior versions of the code section via the "History" or "Credits" section underneath the text of the code section. (see Find Prior Versions of a Statute page of this guide)
| HISTORY: RS § 7424; S&S 516; 73 v 40, § 26; GC § 2183; 103 v 65; Bureau of Code Revision, 10-1-53; 125 v 887 (Eff 7-1-54); 134 v H 494 (Eff 7-12-72); 138 v H 654. Eff 4-9-82. |
Additionally, the Revised Code may have reprints of committee comments, uncodified session law language or other language indicating intent underneath each code section.
2. Pull the session laws listed in the "History" or "Credits" to see what changes the legislature made to the statutes. See Find Prior Versions of a Statute. See if the session laws contain uncodified language concerning intent.
3. Find as many legislative history documents as you can in your local law library and on the web: different versions of bills, LSC Analysis, House and Senate Journals, etc. For bills 2005 and later, many documents are on Lexis. Westlaw (Ohio Legislative History) has various legislative history documents, coverage generally beginning in the early 2000s.
4. News articles from the Columbus Dispatch, Plain Dealer, Cincinnati Enquirer or other Ohio newspapers may contain articles about newsworthy legislation.
5. Look at treatises and law reviews, especially from around the time the legislation was passed. You may find an article or treatise section saying why the legislation was passed.
6. Contact the Ohio History Connection for General Assembly Committee Files. 614-297-2546. The Bill Files may contain transcripts of hearings, prepared statements by witnesses, reports, voting records and copies of bills. The Ohio History Connection librarians will search for you, for a fee.
7. For information about the current and the immediately preceding General Assembly, call the Ohio Legislative Hotline, 1-800-282-0253
8. The Ohio General Assembly website has summaries of committee testimony. Search for the particular legislation you are interested in here.
9. Contact the sponsor of the bills or the committee chairman. Ohio House Legislator Directory, Ohio Senate Legislator Directory
This chart shows what additional legislative history items became readily available what year
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1997 & later - The General Assembly's web page made available video of hearing and debates, bills, LSC analysis, and Fiscal notes 1961 - LSC analysis on microfilm 1957 - LSC staff research reports 1953 - One paragraph LSC analysis by calling the LSC. Summary of Enactments. 1949 - Bill files at Ohio History Connection 1888 - Bills on Microfilm 1803 - Session laws, House & Senate Journals |