• Area Development Magazine named Ohio as ninth on a list of "Top States for Doing Business" for the year 2019. In a subcategory, Ohio ranked first in "most improved economic development policies." As Ohio's economic engines, municipalities play a critical role in providing a business-friendly environment that supports jobs and economic development throughout the state.

• The League regrets to report that Delaware Country Treasurer and former state representative Jon Peterson passed away earlier this week. Peterson represented Delaware County in the House of Representatives for five terms, from 1998 to 2008. We also regret to report the passing of former state senator Cooper Snyder, who represented Highland county just over four terms from 1979 through 1996. Our thoughts are with their families. 

• Ohio's September tax revenue estimates were exceeded by 2%, or $37.3 million. Total tax revenues totaled at $1.93 billion for the month. This marks the third month in a row of exceeded revenue estimates. The first three months of the fiscal year have seen their estimates surpassed by $71.4 million in total.

• issue a Safety Protection Order in specific circumstances regarding a person who a court determines is under a drug dependency, chronic alcoholic, or mental health-related firearms disability.

• specify Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) reporting and removal procedures for certain types of protection orders.

• require submissions to the Attorney General to include findings of incompetent to stand trial (IST) or not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) in LEADS.

• modify some of the prohibitions under the offense of "unlawful transactions in weapons", such as increased penalties for "straw purchases" (purchasing a firearm for someone legally unable to purchase a firearm).

• add new prohibitions and exemptions under the "unlawful transactions in weapons" offense, including a new exemption if a state background check mechanism enacted by this bill is used to determine that the individual receiving the firearm is not barred from possessing a firearm.

• provide a seller's protection certificate in certain circumstances under the bill's new state background check mechanism.

• increase the penalty for certain firearms-related offenses in specified circumstances, such as committing a felony while possessing a firearm.

• modify the law governing the entry of arrest warrants into LEADS as extradition warrants.

• expand the law regarding the provision of drug and alcohol test results to law enforcement personnel.

• provide a new exception to testimonial privilege for specified medical and dental personnel regarding certain probate court proceedings.

• HB 295 - ELECTRIC SCOOTERS. Sponsored by Rep. Hoops (R - Napoleon), would establish requirements governing low-speed electric scooters. During its fourth hearing before the House Transportation and Public Safety Committee, the bill was voted unanimously out of committee. It now heads to the Senate for further hearings. The League is neutral on this legislation.(Link: https://bit.ly/30I0H4t)

• SB 39 - INSURANCE TAX. Sponsored by Sen Schuring (R - Canton), would authorize an insurance premiums tax credit for capital contributions to transformational mixed-use development projects. During its first hearing before the House Economic and Workforce Development Committee, the bill's sponsor said the bill is targeted towards "mega-development projects designed to revitalize downtown areas and boost local economies. The League is supportive of this legislation.(Link: https://bit.ly/2Juc8Zm)