State Advocacy

Life Sciences Advocacy in the State of Ohio

Ohio Life Sciences works in a non-partisan manner with state and federal agencies, officials, and representatives to promote Ohio’s life sciences ecosystem, OLS members, and the health and prosperity of Ohio.

Government relations at the state level is focused on working with the Administration and General Assembly on ways to improve upon policies that retain Ohio companies and attract new life sciences businesses to Ohio.

On this page, you will find summaries and links relevant to recent OLS work in state government relations. If you would like to get involved or have questions about these issues, please contact Willa Bluestone.

Current State Policy, Issues, and Opportunities

There are selected key areas of focus for Ohio Life Sciences, our partners, and members. Click to learn more about the bill’s status, key testimony, and to track its progress.

  • Life Sciences Leaders Applaud Ohio House, Senate Leaders for Resolution to Protect Intellectual Property Rights from Federal “March In” Scheme

SBIR/STTR State Matching Program

  • Establish a program to match the funding Ohio companies receive through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants
  • 28 states offer match funding for Phase I and/or Phase II grants

R&D Sales Tax Exemption for Life Sciences Organization

  • Tax exemption for consumables used in the R&D process for life sciences companies
  • Companies who would greatly benefit from this policy are encouraged to reach out to OLS to help in pursuing this tax exemption

House Bill 24 (Biomarkers)

  • Requires health plans and Medicaid to cover biomarker testing

House Bill 92 (Canadian Drug Importation)

  • Establishes a program within the State of Ohio to import certain drugs from Canada with the goal of generating cost savings for consumers and allows a third-party entity (on behalf of state agencies) to negotiate prices and directly purchase prescription drugs from manufacturers
  • OLS has many concerns regarding this bill and is working with the Legislature to address the severe detrimental impact this would have on the industry

House Bill 177 (Copay Accumulators)

  • Ensures all payments made by, or on behalf of, an individual are applied toward cost-sharing requirements (copays)

House Bill 345 (Personal/Data Privacy)

  • OLS is working with the bill sponsors to ensure limited data sets are exempted from certain provisions in the bill that may inadvertently impact research and healthcare operations
  • OLS is supportive of this bill with the added provisions to ensure our members continue to have access to the data that drives R&D