Do Prison Privatization Provisions in 2011-2013 Budget Bill Violate One-Subject Rule?

State of Ohio c/o Mike DeWine et al. v. State ex rel. Ohio Civil Service Employees Association et al., Case No. 2014-0319

Tenth District Court of Appeals (Franklin County)

ISSUES:

Appeal:

- Do biennial budget bill provisions authorizing state agencies to raise revenue violate the Ohio Constitution's one-subject rule for bills?

- Do budget bill amendments to laws governing the private operation and management of prisons violate the constitution's one-subject rule?

- May a court order an evidentiary hearing to review each of the budget bill's provisions to determine whether the bill violates the one-subject rule and to sever any parts in violation?

Cross-Appeal:

- After the state sells a prison to a private prison contractor, does the Ohio Constitution forbid the state from paying an annual ownership fee to the contractor?

- Are people who work for a private prison contractor pursuant to a contract with the state public employees under state law?