Robot caucus: A bipartisan group of U.S. House Representatives, including Ohio’s Bob Latta, is relaunching a congressional robotics caucus to ensure the United States keeps up with countries like China that are widely deploying robotics technology, Sabrina Eaton writes. “By educating our colleagues, supporting research and development, and encouraging public-private partnerships, the Robotics Caucus will help to foster innovation and support a workforce ready to lead in a rapidly evolving global economy,” said a statement from Latta.

Did somebody call security: Secretary of State Frank LaRose issued his sixth statewide election security directive that provides new cybersecurity protocols for all 88 county boards of elections. As Mary Frances McGowan reports, the new directive requires county boards to configure networks and equipment with the latest security updates, complete monthly cybersecurity checklists, and undergo audits by the state’s cybersecurity team. They must also comply with enhanced physical security requirements, including proper equipment storage, video surveillance, and bipartisan access protocols.

Sanctuary targets: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has put Lorain, Franklin and Warren counties and the cities of Cincinnati and Columbus on a list of “sanctuary jurisdictions” it says are defying immigration laws, Eaton reports. A statement from the agency said the communities on its list from all over the country will be formally notified that they’re not complying with federal statutes. They will also be urged to “immediately review and revise their policies to align with Federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens.”

Terror probe: U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno is asking the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to probe whether an Egyptian citizen who firebombed a Colorado gathering in support of Israeli hostages had ties to terror groups, Eaton writes. The Westlake Republican on Monday sent a letter asking FBI Director Kash Patel to provide a full public accounting of how and when Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, entered the United States and remained in the country.

College material: Ohio’s Senate Bill 1, a college education overhaul law that goes into effect June 27, requires students take an American history course that is being called too narrow of an approach to history. The legislature specifies which foundational texts students must read in the class, such as at least five essays from “The Federalist Papers.” The Washington Post’s Daniel Douglas-Gabriel writes the Ohio legislature is with Florida, Utah and other red states in passing laws asserting more control over college classrooms.

Booze news: The Ohio Division of Liquor Control is expected to launch an online permitting and licensing system Wednesday, the Dispatch’s Jim Weiker reports. There are about 28,000 restaurants, bars, breweries, distributors and others who hold liquor licenses, and about 6,000 nonprofits and others with temporary licenses for events.

Full Disclosure

1. The Ohio Senate Finance Committee is expected to adopt Tuesday afternoon a substitute bill for House Bill 96, which will show its version of the two-year state budget. The substitute bill will contain hundreds of amendments to the House version of the bill. The state budget must pass by July 1, when the next fiscal year begins.

2. Also in the state Senate on Tuesday are possible Agriculture and Natural Resources votes on Senate Bill 60, which establishes veterinarian telehealth procedures and requirements, and HB 64, which revises the age for discounted hunting and fishing licenses and permits.

3. In the House, the Education Committee scheduled possible votes Tuesday on HB 187, which would require public schools to have a moment of silence each day, and HB 117, which would require traditional public and charter schools to have polices specifying the time and manner for the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited. Also Tuesday is a possible House committee vote on HB 31, requiring all parole hearings to be electrically recorded.

4. Both chambers have sessions scheduled Wednesday, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate and 2 p.m. in the House.

5. On Wednesday, the House Commerce and Labor Committee scheduled a possible committee vote on HB 246, which will require certain construction employers to use E-Verify.

On the Move

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen Dackin announced Monday he’s recommending Diane Allen as the first deputy director of the department’s Division of Primary and Secondary Education. She just retired from Marysville Exempted Village Schol District in Union County. If the Ohio Senate recommends Allen, she can start in July, according to a DEW statement.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno on Monday announced that he’s endorsing former Ohio legislator Kevin Coughlin’s GOP bid for the congressional seat held by Akron Democrat Emilia Sykes.

Straight from the Source

“I DON’T enter the House Chamber for session until after the prayer. This is the far right long term plan to segue to ‘Prayer In School’ long term.”

-State Rep. Juanita Brent, a Cleveland Democrat on X, commenting on House Bill 187, which will require Ohio public schools to have daily moments of silence for prayer, meditation or reflection.

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