The so called Christmas tree bill that was quickly passed at the end of last year has found many of its ornaments broken by a court decision.
Ohio lawmakers passed a bill into law in December that prevented cities from regulating pet stores and added some rules for animal care and sales. But it quickly morphed into what many referred to as the Christmas tree bill when lawmakers added provisions to prevent cities from enacting their own minimum wage and spelled out rules for where cell phone equipment can be placed. The bill was signed into law and almost before the ink was dry, a lawsuit was filed. Now a Franklin County Judge has ruled the law violated the Ohio Constitution’s one-subject rule. The parts of the law pertaining to pet stores were allowed to stand. The state is expected to appeal the decision to a higher court.
