Ohio lawmakers fail to act on Planned Parenthood funding

COLUMBUS — Lawmakers left the Statehouse for the year without acting on legislation that would block public funding of Planned Parenthood.

Separate bills appeared to be on fast tracks after lawmakers returned to Columbus after their summer recess, with SB 214 moving through the Senate in October and HB 294 moving through the House before Thanksgiving.

But neither bill saw action this month, as lawmakers worked behind the scenes to determine which version would be the ultimate vehicle.

Both bills would require the Ohio Department of Health to ensure public funds are being used for their intended purpose – the legislation lists breast and cervical cancer, HIV/AIDS initiatives and other specific programs – and not for abortions.