Legislative Report

by Nicole Piscitani • March 9, 2024

The General Assembly has had lighter than usual activity this year and, based on the House and Senate planned session days, legislative activity will remain light.

One item that remains in flux is the capital appropriations bill. The Ohio House and Ohio Senate have approached the process differently this year than in the past.

During even-numbered years, the legislature typically passes a capital appropriations bill that will allocate funds for certain projects throughout the state. The preparation of the state’s six-year…

by Nicole Piscitani • Feb. 9, 2024

At the direction of Gov. Mike DeWine, a group of 13 partnering groups and individuals were asked to serve on a panel to review the state's school bus-related regulations and safety requirements. The group convened in August 2023 and actively met throughout the fall as they examined a wide range of school bus safety areas, including:

• school bus regulations;
• bus design, maintenance and inspections;
• driver licensing, certification and training;
• safety technology;
• crash risk…

by Nicole Piscitani • Jan. 25, 2024

The Ohio Joint Committee on Property Tax Review and Reform held its second meeting and focused the discussion by inviting the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals and four auditors from the County Auditors' Association of Ohio (CCAO). The county auditors who participated in the discussion were:

• Andrea Weaver, Union County auditor
• Jill Davidson, Athens County auditor
• Ronald O'Leary, Cuyahoga County Board of Revision administrator
• Michael Stinziano…

by Nicole Piscitani • Jan. 11, 2024

The Joint Committee on Property Tax Review and Reform held its inaugural meeting on Jan. 10. The committee is made up of 10 legislators, appointed by House and Senate leadership. Those members are:

• Sen. Louis W. Blessing III (R-Colerain Township), co-chair
• Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield), co-chair
• Sen. George F. Lang (R-West Chester)
• Sen. Sandra O’Brien (R-Ashtabula)
• Sen. Hearcel F. Craig (D- Columbus)
• Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus)
• Rep. Tracy M. Richardson (R-Marysville)…