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Legislative Bulletin

January 13, 2023


UPDATE AT A GLANCE

Gov. DeWine and other statewide officeholders were sworn into their new terms this week.


Meanwhile, new House Speaker Jason Stephens is working to fill the staff positions in his office and set the House schedule for the year. But a faction of Republicans who backed state Rep. Derek Merrin for House Speaker have formed their own, third, House caucus. The group met this week to discuss how they can have influence and push for conservative policy. They also delivered to the House clerk a more stringent version of the legislation from the previous General Assembly to propose a constitutional amendment that would require 60 percent of the vote in order to pass future constitutional amendments.


Here are additional items of note from this week:


OML PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA AVAILABLE

The league officially released its 2023-2024 Public Policy Agenda this week through a press release. It was also emailed to our membership, and two copies will be mailed to each member community. The agenda guides our advocacy work and is already being shared with legislators for the 135th General Assembly. It is also an excellent resource for our members to use when meeting with their own legislators on municipal priorities. The league's FY24-25 State Budget Priorities are also being discussed with state leaders.


SAFETY INNOVATION GRANTS AVAILABLE TO LINK SCHOOLS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Attorney General Yost announced that $11.77 million in safety grants is available to Ohio schools this year, including $20,000 that will be awarded for technology that links schools with law enforcement agencies for improved safety, crime prevention and response. More Info


ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FUNDING AVAILABLE FROM US EPA

The U.S. EPA announced the availability of environmental justice funding in two competitive grant categories, including the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government grants for state and local governments. Applications are due April 10. More Info


GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR TRANSIT IN AREAS OF PERSISTENT POVERTY

The Federal Transit Administration has $20 million available through the Areas of Persistent Poverty Program, which can be used for the planning, engineering, or development of technical or financing plans for transit projects. More Info


GRANTS AVAILABLE TO HELP GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS GO SOLAR

The Honnold Foundation's Core Fund supports grassroots organizations using solar energy initiatives to drive positive impacts for their communities and the environment. Grant awards are unrestricted and can range from $25,000 to $150,000 per project per year. More Info


REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2023 OHIO SAFETY CONGRESS AND EXPO

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation will hold its Ohio Safety Congress and Expo March 8-10 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, and registration is now open. The event is free for Ohio employers and their employees. More Info



TREASURER HIGHLIGHTS OHIO MARKET ACCESS PROGRAM

State Treasurer Robert Sprague's office said the City of Hamilton used the Ohio Market Access Program to save an estimated $181,794.86 in interest costs on the acquisition and construction of a criminal justice complex and various infrastructure improvement.

SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

BILLS OF MUNICIPAL INTEREST



Below is the list of bills signed by the governor that are impactful to Ohio municipalities:


HB45 - STATE PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS

To amend Sections 265.220, 307.270, 343.30, and 701.70 of H.B. 110 of the 134th General Assembly, Sections 219.10 as subsequently amended, 221.10 as subsequently amended, 221.13 as subsequently amended, and 237.13 as subsequently amended of H.B. 597 of the 134th General Assembly, and Sections 207.15, 221.10, 221.13, 223.10, 223.15, 237.10, and 237.13 of H.B. 687 of the 134th General Assembly and to repeal Section 715.20 of H.B. 110 of the 134th General Assembly to make appropriations and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of state programs.


OML had asked for a line-item veto of provisions related to affordable and workforce housing, which was not included. The governor said he will ask for a state low-income housing tax credit and other housing issues in his state operating budget proposal.

1/6/2023 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR; effective immediately

Bill Analysis

 

HB458 - VOTER ID, ELECTION LAWS

To modify the law governing voter identification and absent voting and other aspects of the Election Law and to make changes regarding driver's licenses and state identification cards.


This act eliminates local special elections held in August, with the exception of a political subdivision or school district that is in a state of fiscal emergency -- a key provision OML worked to have included.

1/6/2023 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

Bill Analysis

 

HB507 - AGRICULTURE LAW, ENERGY CREDITS 

To revise specified provisions of agriculture law, to define green energy, to exclude natural gas from receiving renewable energy credits, to revise the law governing environmental health specialists and environmental health specialists in training, and to allow conservancy district police departments to take specified actions regarding the towing and storage of motor vehicles.



This legislation incudes a preemption related to pesticides.

1/6/2023 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

Bill Analysis

NEWLY INTRODUCED

BILLS OF MUNICIPAL INTEREST



Below is the list of bills that were newly introduced and that are impactful to Ohio municipalities:


SB2 - LOCAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS 

Sponsored by Sen. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton)

To authorize certain subdivisions to designate areas within which certain residential property is wholly or partially exempted from property taxation.

Bill Text


SB3 - COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROGRAM 

Sponsored by Sen. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton)

To create the Ohio Community Revitalization Program, authorizing nonrefundable income tax credits for undertaking community projects.

Bill Text


SB13 - HOMEMADE SPIRITUOUS LIQUOR

Sponsored by Sen. Frank Hoagland (R-Mingo Junction)

To allow a person to distill, serve, and ship homemade spirituous liquor without a liquor permit.

Bill Text

UPCOMING EVENTS


OML/OMAA Webinar: Refresher on Economic Development Tools

11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Jan. 19 | Virtual

In this session, attorneys from Bricker & Eckler’s economic development legal team will provide a series of updates on important economic development tools. As new factories, megaprojects, housing needs, and infrastructure demands hit our communities, it is important not to miss out on opportunities for smart growth. Register 


USDOT: Webinar Series on Funding Strategies for Transportation Projects

1-3 p.m. | Jan. 19 | Virtual

The Federal Highway Administration is offering a series of webinars that will help local public agencies consider strategies for funding local transportation projects, with a focus on value capture strategies to find new revenue sources and leverage localized benefits to pay for projects. The first webinar in the series is Jan. 19. Register


Great Lakes Community Action Partnership: Ohio Downtown Revitalization Workshop

9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Jan. 24 | American Legion Post #83, Sandusky

This workshop is on creating a dynamic downtown for small communities (under 20,000) and is being facilitated Lorie Vincent, a nationally known speaker and certified economic developer. Register


OML/OMAA Webinar: Navigating the FMLA and ADA in Ohio Workers' Compensation Claims

11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Jan. 26 | Virtual

Attendees will engage in an interactive experience while learning how to navigate the twists and turns of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in their workers’ compensation claims. Register 


OML/OMAA Webinar: HR Easy Button for Municipalities - Can I do that?

11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Feb. 9 | Virtual

From workplace accommodations to the interview and selection process, this webinar will review common human resources errors to avoid and provide tips to ensure compliance. Register

MEMBERSHIP INFO: OML-Affiliated Associations


Mayors Association 2022-2023 Membership Information


YOUR OML CONTACTS:


Kent Scarrett | Executive Director

Edward Albright | Deputy Director

Bevan Schneck | Director of Public Affairs

Thomas Wetmore | Legislative Advocate

Zoë Wade | Office, Bulletin & Website Manager

Chrissy Blake | Director of Member Services

Garry Hunter | General Counsel

Michael Barhorst | Field Representative

The Ohio Municipal League | omlohio.org
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