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December 9, 2022

UPDATE AT A GLANCE

Here are the top things for you to know this week:

The Ohio General Assembly is expected to work into next week on remaining policy issues, with the both the House and Senate having session Dec. 13 and 14. They also have if-needed sessions scheduled on Dec. 21. That will close out the year as well as the 134th General Assembly. Below is a list of bills impactful to Ohio cities and villages that were acted upon this week.

OML BOARD OF TRUSTEES HOLDS FINAL MEETING OF 2022, ELECTS 2023 OFFICERS

On Friday, Dec. 2, the OML Board of Trustees had its last meeting of 2023. The meeting marked Troy City Director Patrick Titterington's final meeting as Board President. The league greatly appreciates Patrick's leadership and is grateful for the dedication and time he has provided to us. Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade was elevated to President. We congratulate her and look forward to our work together over the next year. The board elected new officers for 2023, as seen in the picture below, and also recognized Kettering City Manager Mark Schwieterman on his retirement and his service to the league.

SPEAKER-ELECT SETS 2023 HOUSE SCHEDULE

Speaker-elect Derek Merrin announced the 2023 schedule for the Ohio House. The opening-day session will be Tuesday, Jan. 3, with committee hearings starting on Thursday, Jan. 5. Most sessions will be on Wednesdays, with the majority of them being in the first half of the year, when the state operating budget and transportation budget will unfold.

GRANTS TO ENFORCE DRUG LAWS AVAILABLE

Gov. DeWine announced the availability of grant funding to enforce drug laws and combat illegal drug activity. The Office of Criminal Justice Services is accepting applications for funding as part of the Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund, with a deadline to apply on Jan. 5, 2023. More Info

LAW ENFORCEMENT RECRUITMENT GRANTS AVAILABLE

Ohio law enforcement agencies seeking to improve the recruitment, selection, and retention of a diverse workforce can apply for the Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment (LER) Fund through Dec. 16. More Info

NLC INFRASTRUCTURE BOOTCAMP REMINDER

As a reminder, the Local Infrastructure Hub and NLC are launching five new bootcamps this winter aimed at helping small and mid-sized municipalities with populations up to 150,000 to develop competitive funding applications for federal grants available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The bootcamps kick off in January and focus on: Energy Efficiency and Conservation; Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (electric vehicles); Safe Streets (action planning); Safe Streets (implementation); and Brownfields. You do not need to be an NLC member to register, and the registration deadline is Dec. 16. More Info

FEDERAL SOLID WASTE / RECYCLING GRANT OPPORTUNITY

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for its Solid Waste Infrastructure Recycling Grant Program. Materials and waste streams within the scope of this grant program include municipal solid waste, including plastics, organics, paper, metal, glass, and construction and demolition debris. This also includes the management pathways of source reduction, reuse, sending materials to material recovery facilities, composting, and industrial uses (e.g., rendering, anaerobic digestion), and feeding animals. Applications are due Jan. 16, 2023, and there are informational webinars Dec. 13 and 19. More Info

GRANT WRITING CLASS

Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grant writing workshop in Toledo Jan. 30-31, 2023. This training is for grant seekers across all disciplines. It will cover how to write grant proposals from start to finish and how to locate and track relevant grant opportunities. You can receive a $50 discount and $100 group discount if you register before Dec. 31, 2022. More Info

RECORDINGS OF OHIO GRANTS SUMMIT NOW AVAILABLE

If you were not able to virtually participate in the Ohio Office of Budget and Management's Grants Summit last week, you can now view the sessions through online recordings on the Ohio Grants Summit webpage.

OHIO EPA DIRECTOR TO RETIRE, DEWINE ANNOUNCES PUBLIC SAFETY NOMINEE

Ohio EPA Director Laurie Stevenson announced that she will retire at the end of the year. She is the fourth cabinet officer to be leaving her position as the governor transitions to his second term. Meanwhile, Gov. DeWine is nominating Andy Wilson, former Clark County prosecuting attorney and current senior advisor to the governor on justice policy, to be director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Wilson will replace Tom Stickrath if he is confirmed by the Ohio Senate.

2,200 BLIGHTED BUILDINGS TO BE DEMOLISHED

The governor's administration announced that 2,277 more blighted and vacant structures in 42 counties will be demolished to pave the way for new economic development and housing opportunities through the Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program. View Demolition Site List

STATE SUPPORTING MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Gov. DeWine announced state support for 12 mixed-use development projects as part of the second round of the Transformational Mixed-Use Development Program. Projects will include the construction or redevelopment of more than 5.3 million square feet of transformational space to create new housing, retail, dining, office, lodging, and entertainment opportunities. More Info

DRINKING WATER ASSISTANCE FUND PLAN AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has a revised draft of the 2023 Drinking Water Assistance Fund Program Management Plan available and will have two public hearings – virtual and in person – on Dec. 13. The fund provides financial and technical assistance for a variety of projects that help improve or protect the quality of Ohio's drinking water. More Info

COMMUNITIES BENEFIT FROM OHIO MARKET ACCESS PROGRAM

State Treasurer Robert Sprague announced that the Ohio Market Access Program helped the villages of Pioneer and Carey enter the market to refinance outstanding debt, saving them money. Both village's original notes were issued to fund major electric system improvements, including a new substation transformer and distribution feeders.

LIQUOR PERMIT RENEWALS

As part of the Feb. 1, 2023 liquor permit renewal process, local governments have an opportunity to file an objection to these renewals. The locations up for renewal can be seen on this map in the dark red. For this renewal cycle, Jan. 3, 2023 is the last day for local governments to postmark their objections.

CPIM CREDIT HOURS AND EXEMPTIONS DUE BY END OF YEAR

Credit hours and exemptions under the Center for Public Investment Management program are due prior to the end of 2022. Annually, certain fiscal officers of local government entities are required to complete six hours of CPIM programming. Fiscal officers working for an entity that meets certain exemption criteria outlined under Ohio Administrative Rule 113-5-01 may file an exemption in lieu of completing six hours of coursework. If a fiscal officer represents multiple entities, an exemption is required for each entity that uses qualified practices for exemption from CPIM credit requirements.

Contact the CPIM team at CPIM@tos.ohio.gov or 1(800) 228-1102 with questions.

LEGISLATIVE SPOTLIGHT

BILL TO ELIMINATE AUGUST SPECIAL ELECTIONS RECEIVES ADDITIONAL CHANGES

HB458, a bill to eliminate August special elections, except for when there is a special election for a U.S. House member needed, received substitute language at its fifth Senate Local Government and Elections Committee hearing this week. The new language includes the requirement for voters to have a photo ID, including making Ohioans eligible for a free state identification card. The substitute language would also require absentee ballots to be received by boards of election by 7:30 p.m. on election day. The bill is expected to be voted out of committee next week. Bill Analysis as Passed by House | Substitute Bill Text

FLOOR PASSAGE

BILLS OF MUNICIPAL INTEREST



Below is the list of bills passed by either the Ohio House or Ohio Senate that are impactful to Ohio municipalities:

HB23 – REQUIRE EMS / PEACE OFFICERS TO UNDERGO DEMENTIA-RELATED TRAINING 

Sponsored by Rep. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton)

To require emergency medical service personnel and peace officers to undergo dementia-related training. The bill was passed by the Senate 29-0 and will go back to the House for a vote of concurrence. Bill Analysis as Reported by Senate Committee

HB507 – AGRICULTURE LAW, ENERGY CREDITS 

Sponsored by Rep. Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield)

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. During the fourth Senate committee hearing, a preemption amendment was added that prohibits political subdivisions from regulating or banning the packaging, registration, labeling, sale, storage, distribution, use, or application of a pesticide registered with the Department of Agriculture on private property, including private property that is open to the public. The bill passed the Senate 22-7 and will go back to the House for a vote of concurrence. Bill Analysis as Reported by Senate Committee

COMMITEE RECAP

BILLS OF MUNICIPAL INTEREST

Below is the list of bills that received a legislative committee hearing this week and that are impactful to Ohio municipalities:

Legislation Receiving a First Hearing

HB45 – TAX AMNESTY PROGRAM

Sponsored by Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton)

To require the Tax Commissioner to administer a temporary amnesty program from July 1, 2022, to August 31, 2022, with respect to certain delinquent taxes and fees, to repeal Section 1 of this act on September 1, 2022, and to declare an emergency. Senate Finance. Bill Analysis

HB130 – ALLOW POLICE DEPARTMENT FILL VACANCIES WITHOUT EXAM 

Sponsored by Rep. Joe Miller (D-Lorain) and Rep. Willis Blackshear (D-Dayton)

To allow a police department to fill a vacant position in the classified civil service without a competitive examination. House State and Local Government. Bill Analysis

HB134 – PEACE OFFICER TRAINING, RESOURCES 

Sponsored by Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton)

To require peace officers to complete training on de-escalation techniques, implicit bias, procedural justice, mental health issues, and first aid and critical injuries, to require information regarding mental health resources and available support be provided to peace officers annually, and to make an appropriation. House State and Local Government. Bill Analysis

HB259 – PROTECT LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT 

Sponsored by Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) and Rep. Adam Miller (D-Columbus)

To enact the Protect Law Enforcement Act to require a firearm transfer to be made through a dealer, through a law enforcement agency, or pursuant to a specified exception, and to require a background check when a firearm is transferred. House State and Local Government. Bill Analysis

HB283 – EXPAND DISTRACTED DRIVING LAWS 

Sponsored by Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Rep. Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek)

To expand the texting while driving prohibition to a general prohibition against using an electronic wireless communications device while driving, with certain exceptions, and to create data collection requirements based on associated violations of the distracted driving laws. Senate Judiciary. Bill Analysis

HB362 – EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING FOR POLICE 

Sponsored by Rep. Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati)

To require training on emotional intelligence for peace officers. House State and Local Government. Bill Analysis

HB367 – POLICE CAMERA RECORDINGS/ EXCESSIVE FORCE

Sponsored by Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) 

Regarding the use of body-worn cameras and dashboard cameras by peace officers, the use of excessive force by peace officers, and the public release of body-worn camera or dashboard camera recordings when there is an allegation of peace officer misconduct. House Criminal Justice. Bill Analysis

HB386 – REQUIRE FIRE, POLICE CHIEF RESIDE IN MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

Sponsored by Rep. Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati) 

To allow a municipal corporation to require its fire chief or chief of police to reside within the municipal corporation during the chief's first five years. House State and Local Government. Bill Analysis

HB579 – PROHIBIT SURFACE APPLICATION OF BRINE 

Sponsored by Rep. Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville)

To expressly prohibit the surface application of brine from oil and gas wells on roads. House Energy and Natural Resources. Bill Analysis

HB630 – REPEAL SB215 

Sponsored by Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Forest Park)

To repeal the changes made by S.B. 215 of the 134th General Assembly to the laws regarding a concealed handgun licensee's duty to carry the license and notify a law enforcement officer if the licensee is carrying a concealed handgun, and the rights of a qualifying adult to carry a concealed handgun in the same manner as if the person was a licensee. House Government Oversight. Bill Analysis

SB119 – PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION-SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER 

Sponsored by Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Sen. Michael Rulli (R-Salem)

To enact the Ohio Fairness Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, to add mediation as an informal method that the Ohio Civil Rights Commission may use, and to uphold existing religious exemptions under Ohio's Civil Rights Law. Senate Government Oversight and Reform. Bill Analysis

SB334 – FORECLOSURE PURCHASE BIDDING RIGHTS 

Sponsored by Sen. Louis Blessing (R-Cincinnati)

To grant tenants and certain other eligible bidders rights relating to the purchase of residential property sold at foreclosure. Senate General Government Budget. Bill Analysis

Legislation Receiving Additional Hearings

HB35 – PERMIT MAYORS TO SOLEMNIZE MARRIAGES IN OHIO 

Sponsored by Rep. Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.) and Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery)

To permit mayors to solemnize marriages anywhere within Ohio. Senate Local Government and Elections, (Fourth Hearing). Bill Analysis

HB294 – OHIO ELECTION SECURITY, MODERNIZATION ACT 

Sponsored by Rep. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati) and Rep. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth)

To modify the law governing absent voting, to make other changes to the Election Law, and to make an appropriation. House Government Oversight, (Fifth and Sixth Hearings). Bill Analysis

HB364 – WATERWORKS INFRASTRUCTURE APPLICATION 

Sponsored by Rep. Thomas Patton (R-Strongsville)

To make changes to the application process for the waterworks infrastructure improvement surcharge. Bill amended in Senate Energy and Public Utilities, (Second Hearing). Bill Analysis

HB458 – VOTER ID, ELECTION LAWS 

Sponsored by Rep. Thomas Hall (R-Madison Twp.) 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. Substitute Bill Accepted in Senate Local Government and Elections, (Fourth and Fifth Hearings). Bill Analysis

HB501 – TOWNSHIP LAWS, SOLAR REGULATION 

Sponsored by Rep. Thomas Hall (R-Madison Twp.) To make various township law changes and to subject small solar facilities to local regulation. Substitute Bill accepted in Senate Local Government and Elections, (Second Hearing). Bill Analysis

SB288 – CRIMINAL LAW CHANGES

Sponsored by Sen. Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville)

To modify various aspects of the law regarding crimes and corrections, trial procedures, correctional officers and employees, coroner records, inmate internet access, civil protection orders, delinquent child adjudications and case transfers, youthful offender parole review, OVI and other traffic offenses, certificates of qualification for employment, licensing collateral sanctions, criminal record sealing and expungement, State Criminal Sentencing Commission duties, and certain assisted reproduction matters. Bill amended in House Criminal Justice, (First and Second Hearings). Bill Analysis

SB357 – GUN SAFETY/MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT 

Sponsored by Sen. Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls)

To provide for issuance of safety protection orders; to address LEADS and NCIC inclusion of protection orders; to provide for seller's protection certificates under a new background check mechanism; to modify procedures and criminal offenses related to firearm transfers; to modify the laws regarding certain provisions related to mental health treatment; and to express the intent of the General Assembly to appropriate specified sums of federal funding under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to be used regarding a behavioral health workforce and crisis infrastructure expansion. Senate Finance, (Third Hearing). Bill Analysis

COMMITTEE SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF DEC. 12

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

HOUSE HEALTH

Tue., Dec. 13, 2022, 11:00 AM, Hearing Room 121

Rep. Lipps: 614-644-6023

HB688 – COVID LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY (LIPPS S) Regarding coronavirus local fiscal recovery and prescription digital therapeutics, and to make appropriations.

           Fourth Hearing, All Testimony, AMENDMENTS/POSSIBLE VOTE

HOUSE TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Tue., Dec. 13, 2022, 11:00 AM, Hearing Room 017

Rep. Baldridge: 614-466-2124

HB494 – SCHOOL ADJACENT SPEED ZONES (CREECH R) To authorize a municipal corporation, county, and township to establish a school adjacent speed zone on any street or highway within a half mile of certain schools.

           Fourth Hearing, All Testimony

Additional committee hearings are expected to be announced.

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