Committee adopts minor amendment and advances bill naming buckeye candy Ohio’s state candy

The Ohio Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 247 and favorably reported the bill to the committee on rules and reference after proponent testimony.

Vice Chair Andrew Brenner moved to adopt amendment 1244, which committee members said corrects the Latin name of the buckeye tree in the Ohio Revised Code; the amendment was adopted without discussion. Business owners and proprietors testified in support of the bill, saying the buckeye candy — a peanut butter and chocolate confection modeled after the buckeye nut — is woven into Ohio culture and that local shops rely on demand tied to state identity. Alicia Hindman, owner of the Buckeye Lady in Columbus, said the candy appears in "the moments that matter" for Ohioans and helps market the state to visitors. Lisa Boyle of the Chocolate Cafe described high seasonal demand and said recognition could benefit small Ohio businesses.

Committee members responded with lighthearted praise and bipartisan support, with several senators noting the bill's unifying, symbolic nature. The motion to favorably report the bill to rules and reference carried with sufficient votes; the committee record did not include specific vote tallies.

The bill will now move to the committee on rules and reference for further consideration.