There are two state issues on the ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 7. They are printed here to give Ada Icon readers time to consider them. Our readers probably will be bombarded with ads, some true, some half true, and some very misleading. So, take the time now to research the questions and consider how you will vote.
ISSUE 1
Rights for Crime Victims
Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Proposed by Initiative Petition
To repeal and replace the existing language in Section 10a of Article I of the Constitution of the State of Ohio
A majority yes vote is necessary for the amendment to pass.
The proposed amendment would expand the rights of victims under the current Section 10a and require that the rights of victims be protected as vigorously as the rights of the accused. More specifically, for the purpose of ensuring due process, respect, fairness, and justice for crime victims and their families in the criminal and juvenile justice systems, the amendment would provide victims with:
- the right to privacy and to be treated with respect, fairness, and dignity;
- the right to information about the rights and services available to crime victims;
- the right to notification in a timely manner of all proceedings in the case;
- the right to be present and heard at all court proceedings, including the right to petition the court to protect the victim's rights;
- the right to a prompt conclusion of the case;
- to refuse discovery requests made by the accused, except as authorized by Article I, Section 10 of the Ohio constitution;
- the right to reasonable protection from the accused;
- the right to notice of the release or escape of the accused; and
- the right to restitution.
The proposed amendment would not establish a cause of action for damages or compensation against the state or any political subdivision.
If approved, the amendment will be effective 90 days after the election.
ISSUE 2
To require state agencies to not pay more for prescription drugs than the federal Department of Veterans Affairs and require state payment of attorney fees and expenses to specific individuals for defense of the law
Proposed Law
Proposed by Initiative Petition
To enact Chapter 194 of the Ohio Revised Code
A majority yes vote is necessary for the law to pass.
To enact Chapter 194 of the Ohio Revised Code, which would:
- Require the State of Ohio, including its state departments, agencies and entities, to not pay more for prescription drugs than the price paid by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Establish that the individual petitioners responsible for proposing the law have a direct and personal stake in defending the law; require the State to pay petitioners' reasonable attorney fees and other expenses; require the petitioners to pay $10,000 to the State if the law is held by a court to be unenforceable and limit petitioners' personal liability to that amount; and require the Attorney General to defend the law if challenged in court
