Timeline of House Bill 6, at root of racketeering case

Jan. 6, 2019: With the help of two dozen Democrats, Perry County Republican Larry Householder staged a dramatic return to political power, capturing the Ohio House speaker post on a 52-46 floor vote. Householder, who held the speaker’s gavel from 2001 to 2004, became the first Ohioan in roughly six decades to recapture the position.

April 12, 2019: As speaker, Householder, R-Glenford, holds a press conference to outline a sweeping energy bill.

ExploreHouse Bill 6 explained: What was controversial energy bill?

May 29, 2019: The controversial bill wins passage in the House on a 53-43 vote.

July 17, 2019: HB6 clears the Senate on a 19-12 vote.

July 23, 2019: The House agrees to Senate changes. Gov. Mike DeWine signs it into law the same day. HB6 waters down renewable energy standards and includes bailouts for two energy companies.

August-October, 2019: Ohioans Against Corporate Bailouts, a coalition of business, consumer and environmental groups, opposes the new law and seeks to put it up for a referendum in November 2020. Supporters of HB6 spend more than $16.5 million on ads to get the bill passed and oppose the referendum. Opponents of the bill spent more than $4 million.

ExploreU.S. attorney calls bribery case largest scheme in Ohio

October 2019: Facing a fierce counter-campaign, Ohioans Against Corporate Bailouts fails to gather enough signatures.

Oct. 22, 2019: The law takes effect.

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About the Author

Laura A. Bischoff

Laura Bischoff is our Columbus bureau reporter and covers politics and state government. She keeps a close eye on elected leaders, public employees and taxpayer money. Bischoff tries to write stories that inform voters, hold leaders accountable and strengthen democracy.