Happy new year!
The Ohio House and Ohio Senate had their opening sessions this week to kick off the 135th Ohio General Assembly. We look forward to working with the newly sworn-in legislators for the benefit of municipalities over the next two years. Gov. DeWine is hosting inaugural events this weekend and will have his swearing-in ceremony at noon on Monday.
Here are items of note from this week and over the holidays:
PREEMPTION ON LOCAL FLAVORED TOBACCO REGULATIONS VETOED
Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed Substitute House Bill 513, which passed during the lame-duck session and would preempt municipalities from banning the sale of flavored tobacco products within their jurisdictions. At a press conference, the governor discussed the importance of municipalities taking action in order to save lives in this area, as well as the harmful effects of flavored tobacco on young people. The league thanks Gov. DeWine for his veto and his acknowledgement of the importance of local control. Governor's Veto Message
GOVERNOR SIGNS BILLS INTO LAW
Gov. DeWine has been working through the rush of legislation passed during the General Assembly's lame-duck session -- signing a variety of bills. The bills he signed of interest to municipalities can be found below.
LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS INCLUDE SURPRISE HOUSE SPEAKER
The opening sessions included the traditional election of leadership positions, most of which had previously been announced -- including Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima), Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood), and House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington). However, a surprise vote in the House led to Rep. Jason Stephens, from Lawrence County, being elected House speaker over Rep. Derek Merrin, who was initially announced as speaker-elect in November. The House then elected Rep. Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton) as speaker pro tempore, but it has yet to fill other Republican caucus leadership positions. Speaker Stephens will also be releasing a new House schedule. We will share a combined House/Senate schedule when available.
OHIO SENATE COMMITTEE LEADERS SELECTED
The Ohio Senate announced its 19 standing committees and committee chairs. There are two new committees, including a Community Revitalization Committee that will focus on coordination between state and local officials for such issues as addiction. Most chairs are the same as during the previous General Assembly with the following exceptions:
- Community Revitalization, chaired by Sen. Terry Johnson (R-McDermott)
- Energy & Public Utilities, chaired by Sen. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin)
- General Government, chaired by Sen. Michael Rulli (R-Salem)
- Local Government, chaired by Sen. Sandra O'Brien (R-Rome)
- Medicaid, chaired by Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario)
- Small Business & Economic Opportunity, chaired by Sen. George Lang (R-West Chester)
- Workforce & Higher Education, chaired by Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland)
See the full list of committee chairs and members.
SUPREME COURT RULES ON CASES RELATED TO OPEN MEETINGS ACT
The Ohio Supreme Court recently ruled on State of Ohio ex rel. Hicks v. Clermont County Board of Commissioners, saying public bodies do not have to prove their conduct in executive sessions complies with the Open Meetings Act. In a separate case, the court ruled on "bounty hunters" that go after local governments for lack of transparency. See more below.
SURVEY ON MUNICIPAL CHALLENGES
To effectively support our member communities in 2023, we would like to gain a better understanding of the challenges you are currently facing through a brief survey. Take the Survey
UPCOMING OML/OMAA WEBINARS
Join us for our upcoming webinars that will serve as a resource to you.
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Refresher on Economic Development Tools - Jan. 19. Register
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Navigating the Family Medical Leave Act and Americans with Disabilities Act in Workers' Compensation Claims - Jan. 26. Register
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HR Easy Button for Municipalities: Can I do that? - Feb. 9. Register
More info on the webinars can be found below under Upcoming Events.
MAYOR'S COURT INITIAL TRAINING JAN. 12 & 13
As a reminder and follow-up to a mailing and previous email, the opportunity for new mayors or magistrates who need to take the initial six-hour training to be certified to preside over court will take place next week.
- Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 – GENERAL Session (Offenses other than alcohol and drug-related traffic offenses)
- Friday, January 13, 2023 – OVI Session (Alcohol and drug-related traffic offenses)
The training will be at the Ohio University Dublin Integrated Education Center (6805 Bobcat Way, Dublin, OH 43016) from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. each day. Register
GOVERNOR FILLS VACANCIES
Over the holidays, Gov. DeWine appointed Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters to the Ohio Supreme Court. Deters is filling the vacancy left after Justice Sharon Kennedy was elected to the position of chief justice. The governor also named Anne Vogel as his nominee to be the new director of the Ohio EPA. Vogel was most recently the governor's policy director.
OHIO EPA OFFERING $1M IN H2OHIO MINI GRANTS
The Ohio EPA is accepting applications for up to $10,000 in equipment mini grants for drinking water system equipment needs. The grants are meant to strengthen the ability of public water systems to reduce leaks, purchase critical equipment, and evaluate rates. The application deadline is Jan. 25, 2023. More Info
FUNDING AWARDED FOR BROWNFIELD CLEANUPS/ASSESSMENTS
The governor announced $88 million in state support for 123 brownfield remediation projects that will help clean up hazardous and underused sites throughout the state.
The Ohio Department of Development is funding the awards through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program. More Info
HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDITS AWARDED
Historic Preservation Tax Credits from the state have been awarded to restore 57 buildings in 21 communities. This was the first round with changes from Senate Bill 225 of the previous General Assembly incorporated into it. More Info
MARCS RADIO GRANTS ISSUED
The State Fire Marshal announced that $3.5 million in grants were awarded to 325 fire departments for operation of the Multi-Agency Radio Communications System. More than $7.7 million in requests were filed. View the Recipient List
NEW ROUND OF VIOLENT CRIME REDUCTION GRANTS ANNOUNCED
In the 11th round of the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program, 13 agencies are receiving a total of $9.1 million. They include police departments in Akron, Cleveland Heights, Coal Grove, Mansfield, McConnellsville, and Washington Court House. More Info
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