Recognizing the National Black Caucus of State Legislators

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Brennan and 7 co-sponsors

Ohio recognizes NBCSL’s 50th anniversary and its bipartisan work advocating for equity, health, education, and policy collaboration across states.

Introduced and Referred to Committee

#nationalorinternationalresolution

Summary of Bill: HCR 45 (136th General Assembly, Regular Session)

Purpose and Intent

HCR 45 is a concurrent resolution recognizing and commemorating the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

The resolution acknowledges NBCSL’s history, mission, and ongoing work to support African American communities through policy development, research, and collaboration among state legislators nationwide, including in Ohio.

Key Provisions

Recognition of NBCSL’s 50-year legacy since its founding in 1977.

Description of NBCSL as a bipartisan organization representing more than 700 African American state legislators nationally, influencing policy for over 50 million African Americans.

Summary of NBCSL’s role as a national network and clearinghouse for:

Exchange of ideas, research, and best practices among African American state legislators and their staff.
Support for crafting effective public policy through high-quality research, training, and education.

Emphasis on NBCSL’s advocacy in areas such as:

Equity and economic opportunity
Health
Education
Criminal justice reform
Community well-being
Development of resolutions and model legislation to aid state legislators

Formal recognition of NBCSL’s contributions to empowering state lawmakers (including members of the Ohio General Assembly) to improve outcomes for families, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity.

Declaration that Ohio honors NBCSL’s partnership and leadership in public service and policy advancement.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Primarily symbolic effect: formal recognition by the Ohio House of Representatives (and Senate concurrence) of NBCSL’s 50th anniversary.

May influence goodwill and ongoing collaboration between Ohio lawmakers and NBCSL, reinforcing existing or potential future joint initiatives, research, and model legislation supported by NBCSL.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Type: Concurrent Resolution (HCR), meaning it requires action by both chambers (House and Senate) and is typically ceremonial.

Sponsorship: Introduced by Representatives Brewer and Upchurch, with a list of co-sponsors from both chambers.

No fiscal impact or regulatory changes are outlined in the text; the resolution serves to acknowledge and commend NBCSL.

Administration: The Clerk of the House would transmit authenticated copies of the resolution to NBCSL and to Ohio news media as a notice of the recognition.

Practical Takeaway

The bill serves to publicly honor NBCSL’s 50th anniversary and reiterate Ohio’s appreciation for NBCSL’s role in advocating for African American communities and bipartisan policy solutions at the state level.

It signals editorial support for NBCSL’s mission and may strengthen collaborative ties between Ohio lawmakers and NBCSL in the future.