SB 181 Ohio Senate · 136th Legislature (2025-2026)

Regards limestone, dolomite mining; increase severance taxes

Summary
To amend sections 1514.01, 1514.02, 1514.021, 1514.022, 1514.023, 1514.024, 1514.03, 1514.04, 1514.05, 1514.07, 1514.071, 1514.08, 1514.09, 1514.11, 1514.40, 1514.41, 1514.42, 1514.43, 1514.44, 1514.45, 1514.46, 1514.50, 1514.99, 1563.11, and 5749.02 and to enact sections 1514.091, 1514.092, 1514.093, 1514.48, 1514.60, 1514.61, 1514.62, 1514.63, 1514.64, 1514.65, 1514.66, 1514.67, 1514.68, 1514.69, 1514.70, 1514.71, and 1514.72 of the Revised Code to establish regulations for the underground mining of limestone and dolomite and to increase certain severance tax rates.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
May 2026
Senate Passage
May 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Apr 23, 2025 Last action May 20, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

As Introduced As Passed by the Senate · 6 edits · May 13, 2026
MODERATE
This bill updates Ohio's mining regulations to modernize definitions and procedures for surface, in-stream, and underground mining. Key changes include adding 'in-stream mining' as a regulated activity, clarifying exemptions for small-scale landowner extraction, and streamlining permit renewal processes while maintaining strict reclamation standards.
Scope change
The bill expands the regulatory scope to explicitly include 'in-stream mining' (mining in watercourses draining over 100 square miles) and clarifies that existing permits do not expire automatically, requiring renewal applications instead.
DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'in-stream mining', 'cone of depression', and 'activities related to making finished aggregate products' to clarify regulatory boundaries.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified exemptions for surface mining to exclude coal incidental to other minerals and clarify that small landowner extraction for noncommercial use remains exempt.

REQUIREMENT

Changed permit renewal requirements to require a notice of intent at least 90 days before expiration and a complete renewal package at least 30 days before expiration.

Added specific requirements for hydraulic evaluations for in-stream mining applications to assess impacts on watercourses.

TIMELINE

Updated permit durations to 15 years for surface mining and 5 years for in-stream mining, with specific rules for permit amendments and renewals.

ENFORCEMENT

Refined civil penalty procedures and clarified the chief's authority to deny permits if reclamation plans are inadequate or zoning laws are violated.

Floor votes · Senate May 13, 2026

How they voted

292
Passed
Total votes 31
May 13, 2026
D Democratic8
8 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican23
21 Yea 2 Nay
91% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
2
May 20, 2026
Committee
Referred to committee
lower
May 19, 2026
Introduced
Introduced
lower
May 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Apr 30, 2025
Committee
Referred to committee
upper
Apr 23, 2025
Introduced
Introduced
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Shane Wilkin
Shane Wilkin
RRepublican
OH
17