Senator DeMora tells oversight committee bill would name Buckeye the state candy, fix code spelling

Senator DeMora appeared before the House Government Oversight Committee to give sponsor testimony on amended Senate Bill 247, saying the proposal would make the Buckeye the state candy and correct a spelling error in the Revised Code.

DeMora described the measure as “incredibly simple” and said it would both name the Buckeye candy as the state candy and “fix a typo” in the statute that misstates the Latin name for the buckeye tree. He framed the bill as lighthearted and rooted in Ohio tradition, saying the candy “consists of rich peanut butter dipped in smooth chocolate” and is made across the state, from home kitchens to confectioneries.

Members asked practical questions during a brief Q&A. Representative Bozzoli raised allergy and ingredient concerns, noting product labels list additives such as red dye 40; DeMora acknowledged dairy and peanut allergy issues and suggested substitutions might be possible, saying some homemade and commercial recipes are made dairy‑free. Representative Sims asked how many makers there are in the state; DeMora named local confectioners, including Anthony Thomas and a vendor he referred to as “the buckeye lady,” and said more proponent testimony and samples would be provided during later testimony.

DeMora also told the panel that vendors from Franklin County would be available to testify and bring additional Buckeye samples. Chair Hall closed the first hearing, thanking DeMora for his testimony. No vote was taken and no amendments were offered during the session.

The committee recorded the item as a first hearing; the sponsor and members indicated additional proponent testimony and possible amendments may be scheduled in future meetings.