To amend sections 3704.14, 4503.10, 4503.102, and 4503.103 of the Revised Code to create an alternative method to certify compliance with the E-Check program and to name this act the E-Check Ease Act.
To enact section 6109.041 of the Revised Code to allow a public water system to use point-of-use and point-of-entry treatment devices in certain circumstances.
HJR 1 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Ohio's state constitution that establishes a fundamental right for residents to hunt and fish using traditional methods. This right would be subject only to laws and rules enacted by the Ohio General Assembly for wildlife conservation, management, and preserving hunting/fishing opportunities. The amendment would require voter approval at the next general election and would not override existing trespass or property laws. If passed, it would make hunting and fishing a constitutionally protected activity and the preferred method for managing wildlife in Ohio.
To enact section 1509.023 of the Revised Code to prohibit the removal of oil or gas from under state lands via horizontal wells and to name this act the Protecting public Resources, Ecosystems, and Sensitive lands from Extraction, Violation, and Exploitation (PRESERVE) Act.
To enact section 2917.43 of the Revised Code to prohibit a person from engaging in solar radiation modification, cloud seeding, or sunlight reflection methods, and to name the act the Atmosphere Protection Act.
SB 2 creates a tax exemption program for developers building on former coal mines or brownfield sites in Ohio, offering five years of property tax relief to encourage investment in these economically distressed areas. It also clarifies that small renewable energy projects (under 50 megawatts, like solar farms, wind farms, and biogas digesters) can be regulated by local zoning boards without changing their tax classification as public utilities. The bill directly affects local governments, developers, and small renewable energy operators by streamlining approvals for these projects while preserving existing tax treatment. These changes aim to support grid reliability and affordability by facilitating new power generation in targeted communities.
SB 285 would exempt agricultural land converted to specific conservation uses from being required to repay the state for conservation program costs. It amends Ohio's Revised Code (section 5713.34) to remove recoupment charges for landowners who transition farmland to eligible conservation areas. This directly affects farmers and landowners who participate in conservation programs by eliminating a financial obligation they currently face. The policy change removes a reimbursement requirement, simplifying the process for converting agricultural land to conservation purposes under existing state programs.
This resolution urges the United States Congress to designate the Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail. If Congress acts on this urging, the designation would recognize the trail's scenic, historical, and cultural importance at a national level, potentially affecting its management and public profile.
HB 121 defines "renewable natural gas" as biologically derived methane meeting pipeline standards and specifies that producers without on-site pipeline injection capability are not considered public utilities. This directly affects certain renewable natural gas producers who lack the infrastructure to connect directly to gas pipelines. The bill’s key mechanism reclassifies these producers out of the public utility regulatory framework by removing them from the definition of "public utility" under Ohio law. The change would exempt them from utility-specific regulations, such as rate oversight or service requirements, without altering their operational standards. The bill is currently in committee after introduction on February 24, 2025.
HB 389 eliminates an extra registration fee currently charged for hybrid motor vehicles in Ohio. It directly affects owners of hybrid cars and light trucks who would no longer pay this additional cost on top of standard vehicle registration. The bill amends specific sections of Ohio's Revised Code to remove this fee requirement from the registration process. This change simplifies registration costs for hybrid vehicle owners without altering other registration rules.
