Gary Daniels
@gdanielsohio.bsky.social
Legislative Director @acluohio working on mass incarceration, free speech, open govt, privacy, etc. Make noise. Be impatient. Fight fascism. Views are my own.
Missing from this coverage is any mention of the First Amendment. Its protections wisely protect public school students from being compelled, via state law, school policy, etc., to recite the Pledge. Because forced “patriotism”
is the opposite of freedom.
www.dispatch.com/story/news/e...
is the opposite of freedom.
www.dispatch.com/story/news/e...
Can Ohio schools force students say the pledge of allegiance? What the law says
As Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate floats a daily pledge allegiance in schools, what is the current law about the pledge?
www.dispatch.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Missing from this coverage is any mention of the First Amendment. Its protections wisely protect public school students from being compelled, via state law, school policy, etc., to recite the Pledge. Because forced “patriotism”
is the opposite of freedom.
www.dispatch.com/story/news/e...
is the opposite of freedom.
www.dispatch.com/story/news/e...
The same Ohio GOP legislators who catch the vapors if you dare suggest the state does not do enough re: addiction, ODs, etc. will offer zero private or public pushback on this latest of deliberately cruel developments. Prepare to pay for more pri$on$.
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
Trump administration cuts nearly 2 billion in funding for mental health and addiction
The Trump administration has cut nearly 2 billion dollars in funding for programs that serve people with mental illness and substance abuse issues. Providers say the cuts are devastating.
www.npr.org
January 15, 2026 at 1:13 PM
The same Ohio GOP legislators who catch the vapors if you dare suggest the state does not do enough re: addiction, ODs, etc. will offer zero private or public pushback on this latest of deliberately cruel developments. Prepare to pay for more pri$on$.
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
FYI - A back door way the Statehouse is GOP is screwing with legal cannabis in Ohio. Via HB 88, if you possess ANY amount of cannabis & do not know it is mixed with ANY amount of fentanyl, you will be prosecuted under MUCH harsher fentanyl penalties, also increased via HB 88.
January 7, 2026 at 3:39 PM
FYI - A back door way the Statehouse is GOP is screwing with legal cannabis in Ohio. Via HB 88, if you possess ANY amount of cannabis & do not know it is mixed with ANY amount of fentanyl, you will be prosecuted under MUCH harsher fentanyl penalties, also increased via HB 88.
The same politicians who buried their heads in the sand re: actual scandals (FirstEnergy, etc) have instead turned their attention towards local daycares because of baseless allegations stoked by conspiratorial social media personalities. #anotherdayinOH
www.dispatch.com/story/news/l...
www.dispatch.com/story/news/l...
Ohio GOP lawmakers seek day care fraud investigation after viral claims
GOP lawmakers want an investigation into viral claims about fraud at Columbus day cares. Gov. DeWine's office says anti-fraud measures already exist.
www.dispatch.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The same politicians who buried their heads in the sand re: actual scandals (FirstEnergy, etc) have instead turned their attention towards local daycares because of baseless allegations stoked by conspiratorial social media personalities. #anotherdayinOH
www.dispatch.com/story/news/l...
www.dispatch.com/story/news/l...
HB 338, a bill to increase penalties for assaults vs prison staff, also includes various provisions to unwisely end or limit rehabilitative efforts for many serving time. Legislators forget (or don't care) almost all who go to prison eventually leave.
www.daytondailynews.com/local/hundre...
www.daytondailynews.com/local/hundre...
Hundreds of Ohio prisoners could lose access to education under House-passed prison reform bill
Several hundred inmates in Ohio’s high security prisons would lose access to Sinclair Community College’s educational offerings if a GOP prison reform bill makes it way into law, and many more of the ...
www.daytondailynews.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:40 PM
HB 338, a bill to increase penalties for assaults vs prison staff, also includes various provisions to unwisely end or limit rehabilitative efforts for many serving time. Legislators forget (or don't care) almost all who go to prison eventually leave.
www.daytondailynews.com/local/hundre...
www.daytondailynews.com/local/hundre...
While I generally agree with the goals of HB 609 regarding local govt public meetings, it's quite telling the General Assembly is NOT included in these mandates. Especially with so many recent & ongoing examples of deliberately shutting out the public.
www.cleveland.com/open/2025/12...
www.cleveland.com/open/2025/12...
Lawmakers propose requiring that Ohio public bodies - but not themselves - let the public speak at meetings
House Bill 609, a bipartisan proposal, would amend the Ohio Open Meetings Act to give residents the right to speak before officials vote on agenda items.
www.cleveland.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:09 PM
While I generally agree with the goals of HB 609 regarding local govt public meetings, it's quite telling the General Assembly is NOT included in these mandates. Especially with so many recent & ongoing examples of deliberately shutting out the public.
www.cleveland.com/open/2025/12...
www.cleveland.com/open/2025/12...
Many legislators love to cite other states doing things worse than Ohio as a reason we should change our own laws to make things worse here. Funny how that same logic *never* emerges re: making things better when other states do things better.
#ThatDogDontHunt
#ThatDogDontHunt
November 18, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Many legislators love to cite other states doing things worse than Ohio as a reason we should change our own laws to make things worse here. Funny how that same logic *never* emerges re: making things better when other states do things better.
#ThatDogDontHunt
#ThatDogDontHunt
As I'm never fond of pointing out - these folks do not care what you think, they actively find ways to limit your participation and feedback re: legislation, and every elections bill they move is designed to keep more & more people from voting. It's 100% politics, not policy.
3/3
3/3
November 14, 2025 at 10:16 PM
As I'm never fond of pointing out - these folks do not care what you think, they actively find ways to limit your participation and feedback re: legislation, and every elections bill they move is designed to keep more & more people from voting. It's 100% politics, not policy.
3/3
3/3
1) The hearing notice was sent very late today, leaving 4.5 business hours to prep & submit testimony.
2) Bills that move typically have at least 3 hearings. The House GOP is instead ramming it through in a single hearing
3) In person testimony is limited to 180 seconds.
2/3
2) Bills that move typically have at least 3 hearings. The House GOP is instead ramming it through in a single hearing
3) In person testimony is limited to 180 seconds.
2/3
November 14, 2025 at 10:16 PM
1) The hearing notice was sent very late today, leaving 4.5 business hours to prep & submit testimony.
2) Bills that move typically have at least 3 hearings. The House GOP is instead ramming it through in a single hearing
3) In person testimony is limited to 180 seconds.
2/3
2) Bills that move typically have at least 3 hearings. The House GOP is instead ramming it through in a single hearing
3) In person testimony is limited to 180 seconds.
2/3
SB 293, the controversial bill requiring absentee ballots to be returned no later than Election Day night, has been quickly scheduled Tuesday for its first House committee hearing - with a planned vote that SAME HEARING! The significance =
1/3
1/3
November 14, 2025 at 10:16 PM
SB 293, the controversial bill requiring absentee ballots to be returned no later than Election Day night, has been quickly scheduled Tuesday for its first House committee hearing - with a planned vote that SAME HEARING! The significance =
1/3
1/3
Today, I'm testifying vs HB 338, a bill responding to the killing of a prison guard last year. However, it contains many provisions eliminating rehabilitative efforts in Ohio prisons. Per usual, data, discussion, etc. on these changes is MIA among legislators considering HB 338.
November 12, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Today, I'm testifying vs HB 338, a bill responding to the killing of a prison guard last year. However, it contains many provisions eliminating rehabilitative efforts in Ohio prisons. Per usual, data, discussion, etc. on these changes is MIA among legislators considering HB 338.
After being passed by committee this morning, SB 293 is on the Senate floor today for a vote. Floor speeches will be supporters gaslighting about statistically non-existent voter fraud & how a single court decision not binding on Ohio makes SB 293 necessary.
Fresh off Election Day, the Statehouse GOP is hearing SB 293, a bill slashing early voting via mail, popular among all voters. This is the 2026 (& beyond) playbook. Politicians in power are deliberately making it harder for you to vote, for 100% political reasons.
November 5, 2025 at 5:04 PM
After being passed by committee this morning, SB 293 is on the Senate floor today for a vote. Floor speeches will be supporters gaslighting about statistically non-existent voter fraud & how a single court decision not binding on Ohio makes SB 293 necessary.
Fresh off Election Day, the Statehouse GOP is hearing SB 293, a bill slashing early voting via mail, popular among all voters. This is the 2026 (& beyond) playbook. Politicians in power are deliberately making it harder for you to vote, for 100% political reasons.
November 5, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Fresh off Election Day, the Statehouse GOP is hearing SB 293, a bill slashing early voting via mail, popular among all voters. This is the 2026 (& beyond) playbook. Politicians in power are deliberately making it harder for you to vote, for 100% political reasons.
Today, I will be testifying as “interested party” on HB 251, a bill to regulate govt use of drones. My point will be the bill contains some positive things, some negative provisions & that it needs improvement to truly & meaningfully regulate govt use & prevent mass surveillance.
October 28, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Today, I will be testifying as “interested party” on HB 251, a bill to regulate govt use of drones. My point will be the bill contains some positive things, some negative provisions & that it needs improvement to truly & meaningfully regulate govt use & prevent mass surveillance.
The Ohio House just approved SB 56, the post-Issue 2/legal cannabis bill, at 4:25pm, missing a total opportunity by 5 minutes.
October 22, 2025 at 8:26 PM
The Ohio House just approved SB 56, the post-Issue 2/legal cannabis bill, at 4:25pm, missing a total opportunity by 5 minutes.
But HB 486 ignores all that. And even if it did not, and/or even if HB 486 expanded to include other faiths, that does not solve First Amendment issues. Our framers had it right - intertwining govt with religion inevitably leads to problems for both. 9/9
October 21, 2025 at 2:49 PM
But HB 486 ignores all that. And even if it did not, and/or even if HB 486 expanded to include other faiths, that does not solve First Amendment issues. Our framers had it right - intertwining govt with religion inevitably leads to problems for both. 9/9
U.S. history is filled with examples of religious tests to hold elected office, taxpayer-supported churches, anti-blasphemy laws, outright banishment of certain faiths form various areas, and more. This was almost exclusively Christian denominations feuding vs one another. 8/9
October 21, 2025 at 2:49 PM
U.S. history is filled with examples of religious tests to hold elected office, taxpayer-supported churches, anti-blasphemy laws, outright banishment of certain faiths form various areas, and more. This was almost exclusively Christian denominations feuding vs one another. 8/9
Among those who have used (their version of) Christianity to justify their actions - supporters of slavery, racial segregationists, those who favor discrimination vs. LGBT folks & fans of Manifest Destiny & other justifications to invade foreign lands & kill their people. 7/9
October 21, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Among those who have used (their version of) Christianity to justify their actions - supporters of slavery, racial segregationists, those who favor discrimination vs. LGBT folks & fans of Manifest Destiny & other justifications to invade foreign lands & kill their people. 7/9
But the very design of HB 486 is to promote Christianity above all other religions & faiths. It does this by promoting what supporters claim is the good, while thoroughly ignoring the bad. That is, the long history of official, govt-supported religious intolerance. 6/9
October 21, 2025 at 2:49 PM
But the very design of HB 486 is to promote Christianity above all other religions & faiths. It does this by promoting what supporters claim is the good, while thoroughly ignoring the bad. That is, the long history of official, govt-supported religious intolerance. 6/9
The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment is quite clear. Govt is to remain neutral with regard to religion & religious beliefs. This protects religion & adherents of all religions, keeping govt from supporting one faith over another, or religious beliefs over none. 5/9
October 21, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment is quite clear. Govt is to remain neutral with regard to religion & religious beliefs. This protects religion & adherents of all religions, keeping govt from supporting one faith over another, or religious beliefs over none. 5/9
HB 486 goes on to offer 24 examples of what the bill's sponsors & supporters have in mind. That is, what they frame as positive influences of Christianity on our history & society. That is where the First Amendment problems & concerns emerge. 4/9
October 21, 2025 at 2:49 PM
HB 486 goes on to offer 24 examples of what the bill's sponsors & supporters have in mind. That is, what they frame as positive influences of Christianity on our history & society. That is where the First Amendment problems & concerns emerge. 4/9
But HB 486 deliberately goes farther, explicitly suggesting & signaling to teachers & instructors that teaching about Christianity's impact is "imperative to reducing ignorance of American history, hate, and violence within our society." 3/9
October 21, 2025 at 2:49 PM
But HB 486 deliberately goes farther, explicitly suggesting & signaling to teachers & instructors that teaching about Christianity's impact is "imperative to reducing ignorance of American history, hate, and violence within our society." 3/9
Indeed, the First Amendment (& Ohio Constitution) allow various aspects about religious beliefs & religion to be taught in schools. For example, it is no violation to mention how many civil rights advocates & slavery abolitionists were motivated by strong religious beliefs. 2/9
October 21, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Indeed, the First Amendment (& Ohio Constitution) allow various aspects about religious beliefs & religion to be taught in schools. For example, it is no violation to mention how many civil rights advocates & slavery abolitionists were motivated by strong religious beliefs. 2/9
Today, I will testify vs. HB 486, a thoroughly unnecessary bill. On its face, the legislation simply clarifies Ohio's K-12 schools + universities can teach about religion w/o violating the First Amendment. But the real goal appears to be indoctrination of our students. 1/9
October 21, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Today, I will testify vs. HB 486, a thoroughly unnecessary bill. On its face, the legislation simply clarifies Ohio's K-12 schools + universities can teach about religion w/o violating the First Amendment. But the real goal appears to be indoctrination of our students. 1/9
I hope to see you at the No Kings rally later today in Columbus. Looks I’ll be sayin’ a few words, too.
#NoKings #RejectFascism
#NoKings #RejectFascism
October 18, 2025 at 3:44 PM
I hope to see you at the No Kings rally later today in Columbus. Looks I’ll be sayin’ a few words, too.
#NoKings #RejectFascism
#NoKings #RejectFascism