SR 280: Authorizing the Ohio Speech and Debate Association to use the Ohio Senate Chamber on March 21, 2026.

Cosponsors: Senators Antonio, Blackshear, Brenner, Cirino, Craig, DeMora, Gavarone, Hicks-Hudson, Johnson, Landis, O'Brien, Patton, Reineke, Reynolds, Roegner, Schaffer, Timken, Weinstein, Wilkin

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio have learned that the Ohio Speech and Debate Association has requested permission to use the Ohio Senate Chamber for the National Speech and Debate Association Western Ohio District Qualifying Tournament, March 21, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Ohio Speech and Debate Association has provided students with the opportunity to find their voices and become civically involved, and the knowledge gained through the NSDA Western Ohio District Qualifying Tournament will certainly be of value to participants in the years to come; and

WHEREAS, By utilizing the facilities that accommodate those involved in the state legislative process, the Ohio Speech and Debate Association will offer students an accurate depiction of state government and the manner in which legislation is created and processed; and

WHEREAS, Through participation in the NSDA Western Ohio District Qualifying Tournament, students will be better prepared to become productive members of our complex and ever-changing society. The maturity and experience participants will gain as a result of their involvement with the Ohio Speech and Debate Association will not only enrich their total educational experience but also enable them to make better-informed decisions as they assume the responsibilities of adult citizenship; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That we, the members of the Senate of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio, in adopting this Resolution, permit the Ohio Speech and Debate Association to use the Ohio Senate Chamber, contingent upon the availability of that facility, and salute the participants as some of Ohio's finest young citizens; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit a duly authenticated copy of this Resolution to the Ohio Speech and Debate Association.