Parker Kahle Act
September 8, 2025
Every so
often, a problem shows itself that has never been covered by the revised code.
When that happens, I have to look at what caused the problem and how the
problem can be fixed in the easiest way possible.
This process starts with a conversation with the parent who has the problem to get their thoughts about what would solve the issue, not only for them, but all parents in this situation. Looking at big pictures and long-term solutions will help to gain a sponsor sooner and will produce results sooner.
Then I look at the current law and the appropriate rules of procedure to see if there was something missed and what can be changed, and who has to make the change. The legislature can change a law, but it can't change a Rule of Procedure. The legislature can suggest a change to the Rules of Procedure, but changes to them lie solely with the Ohio Supreme Court. Knowing this will save you time and embarrassment when you talk to a legislator.
Before we even approach a legislator, we have put together a bill that they can introduce. Once you have their interest, you will have people joining the conversation in the statehouse that you have never talked to and are unfamiliar with what you are trying to accomplish. Oftentimes, the Legislative Select Committee member will try to throw their thoughts in that are often a long way from your intentions. We are at that point now with this proposed bill.
What you will see in the next set of links are questions
that have come to us about this proposal. You will also see how we answered
those questions. To 
be honest,
at times, youth and inexperience get in the way of good legislation moving
ahead quickly and with the intent intact. That is inexperience with aids, and
inexperience is an area of law by the attorneys in LSC. (I believe I have had
the same person at LSC for this bill and at least 6 others over the years.)
The father, whose son this is named after, approached two representatives with this proposed bill. Both allegedly submitted this earlier this year. When he heard back from one of them, you felt it was best that I answer the questions that LSC had since I wrote the proposal. That is what you will see in the first email.
The proposed bill as written and presented to the representatives. – See Here
First email – See Here
The answers I provided the representative’s aide in response to LSC questions – See Here
The next day, I was asked more questions – See Here
Those questions were answered – See Here
I got a response that did not require comments. – See Here
We are still waiting for a “final” workup from LSC. I have a gut feeling that LSC is intentionally delaying this proposal because I have stood my ground on what I suspect are changes that this person in LSC wants to make that are unnecessary.
September 16, 2025
We received what LCS says is how this is supposed to be done. Unfortunately, they have missed the ballpark again. This is a procedural bill only. That concept seems to go over LSC’s head here and with the Sibling Rights Act we are trying to get introduced.
Email from the representative’s aid – See Here
What LSC has created – See Here
Our reply – See Here
Legislative Director
440-281-5478
legislation@ohiofamilyrights.com
