Designate Celestine as Ohio's official mineral

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Brennan and 3 co-sponsors

HB 842 designates Celestine as Ohio’s official mineral for educational and ceremonial use in state materials and displays.

Referred to committee

#environmentandnaturalresources #specialdesignations #statesymbols

Bill Summary: HB 842 (Ohio, 136th General Assembly)

Purpose and Intent

HB 842 designates Celestine as Ohio’s official mineral. The bill establishes an official state mineral to be used for educational, historical, and promotional purposes and to recognize Celestine’s significance within Ohio.

Key Provisions and Changes

Designation: The bill designates Celestine as the official mineral of the State of Ohio.

Official Status: Celestine would be the recognized symbol of Ohio’s mineral resources, to be used in appropriate state materials and ceremonies.

Scope of Use: The designation typically allows the state to reference Celestine in educational resources, branding for state programs related to geology or mineral resources, and in official state communications or displays.

Who or What Would Be Affected

State Government and Agencies: Ohio state government, including departments that deal with natural resources, geology, education, and state branding, may reference Celestine as the official mineral in reports, displays, and educational materials.

Public Education and Outreach: Schools and museums could incorporate Celestine into curricula or exhibits highlighting Ohio’s geological resources.

General Public: Citizens may encounter Celestine as a recognized symbol of Ohio’s mineral heritage in official contexts.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction: HB 842 was introduced on May 6, 2026.

Status: The bill’s current status is introduction; no further action, amendments, or votes are listed in the provided information.

Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee review, potential amendments, floor consideration by both chambers, and eventual enactment or rejection. Timelines would follow the typical Ohio legislative process for the 136th General Assembly.

Notes and Considerations

The bill currently contains a straightforward ceremonial designation without financial appropriations or regulatory changes.

As a designation bill, it primarily carries symbolic and educational value rather than creating new regulatory obligations or funding mechanisms.

The presence of multiple co-sponsors (Sean Brennan, Karen Brownlee, Beryl Piccolantonio, and Juanita Brent) indicates cross-party or cross-committee interest, which may influence committee consideration and debate.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a particular audience (e.g., policymakers, educators, or general public) or add context on how similar state mineral designations have been implemented in other states.