Tuscarawas News

The House Criminal Justice Committee and the House Commerce and Labor Committee have commenced hearings on two important bills introduced by State Rep. Brett Hillyer (R-Uhrichsville). The first bill, House Bill 233, is the Self-Defense Protection Act, which aims to modernize and clarify pretrial and trial procedures related to self-defense. The second bill, House Bill 306, seeks to modernize Ohio's Alcohol Franchise Law.

House Bill 233, the Self-Defense Protection Act, is an important piece of legislation that aims to safeguard individuals' rights to assert self-defense while ensuring fair and just consideration through Ohio's legal system. Representative Hillyer expressed his support for the bill, stating, "This critical legislation upholds principles of justice and individual rights."

The House Commerce and Labor Committee also began hearings on House Bill 306, which aims to modernize Ohio's Alcohol Franchise Law. This bill specifically focuses on craft breweries that produce fewer than 250,000 barrels annually. Under the current law, these breweries are bound to their distributors indefinitely, even if both parties wish to terminate the agreement. House Bill 306 seeks to change this by allowing craft breweries to engage in contracts with distributors that meet their individual needs. Representative Hillyer highlighted the importance of this legislation, stating, "This legislation supports small businesses while also fostering the growth of a promising and emerging sector within our state."

Both bills, House Bill 233 and House Bill 306, will undergo further consideration in their respective House committees. The hearings mark the beginning of an important process to ensure the fair and just protection of individuals' rights and the modernization of Ohio's Alcohol Franchise Law.

To find out more, go to this link: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/brett-hudson-hillyer/news/house-committees-begin-hearings-on-self-defense-protection-act-bill-to-modernize-alcohol-franchise-law-117441