Environment

in committee · Ohio · House Feb 5, 2025

HB 49: Allow for creation of water improvement districts

To enact sections 6120.01, 6120.02, 6120.03, 6120.031, 6120.032, 6120.033, 6120.04, 6120.05, 6120.06, 6120.07, 6120.08, 6120.09, 6120.10, 6120.11, 6120.12, 6120.13, 6120.14, 6120.15, 6120.16, 6120.17, 6120.18, and 6120.19 of the Revised Code to allow for the creation of water improvement districts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill allows for the creation of water improvement districts, which are local governmental entities that will manage budgets, incur spending, and likely generate revenue for water infrastructure.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill allows for the creation of water improvement districts, which are typically established to manage and enhance water quality and resources, directly supporting environmental protection and natural resources. The subject 'Air and Water Poll...90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allows creation of water improvement districts, providing infrastructure essential for new housing development.65% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentThe bill allows for the creation of water improvement districts. This would likely lead to new employment opportunities, supported by 'Employment' and 'Wage and Hour' subjects.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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passed · Ohio · House Jun 18, 2025

HR 147: Investigate East Palestine train derailment and EPA response

To urge Congress to establish a special committee to investigate the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment and the federal Environmental Protection Agency's response to it.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentInvestigating an environmental disaster and the EPA's response aims to ensure accountability and improve future environmental protection and pollution control efforts.80% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill to investigate a train derailment and EPA response; findings from such an investigation could inform policy to improve workplace safety standards, thereby advancing the Labor & Employment topic.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill urges investigation into a train derailment, aiming to identify causes and improve transportation safety.85% confidence

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in committee · Ohio · Senate Feb 26, 2025

SCR 8: Urge Congress pass Reducing Accidents in Locomotives (RAIL) Act

SCR 8 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass the RAIL Act (H.R. 971). It does not create new law but asks federal lawmakers to adopt the RAIL Act, which would require two-person crews on freight and passenger trains, increase train inspections, strengthen hazardous material placard rules for responders, and boost penalties for safety violations. The resolution references a 2023 Ohio train derailment as context but focuses on the RAIL Act’s proposed safety mechanisms. It directly affects federal rail safety policy and would impact all Class I rail operators if enacted. Ohio’s state legislature formally requests this action through the resolution.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill urges increased penalties for safety violations, which aligns with expanding criminalization or increasing mandatory sentences within the criminal justice system.60% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill urges measures to prevent train accidents, including those with hazardous materials. This directly reduces the risk of environmental pollution and damage from spills.80% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill aims to prevent train accidents and strengthen hazardous material rules, which directly protects public health from potential injuries and environmental contamination.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill urges passage of an act requiring two-person crews, increasing train inspections, and boosting safety penalties, all directly improving workplace safety and employment standards.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill urges federal legislation (RAIL Act) to mandate two-person train crews, increase inspections, and strengthen safety rules, directly enhancing transportation safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hazardous Materials Freight Rail

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in committee · Ohio · Senate Oct 29, 2025

SJR 8: CA: Establish constitutional right to hunt and fish

SJR 8 proposes adding Section 23 to Article I of Ohio's Constitution, establishing a fundamental right for residents to hunt and fish. This constitutional amendment would protect existing hunting and fishing rights from being altered by future state laws or regulations. It directly affects all Ohio residents who exercise these activities, ensuring they remain constitutionally guaranteed. The bill does not create new hunting or fishing rules but enshrines current practices as a core right within the state's foundational law.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentSJR 8 protects the fundamental right to hunt and fish, activities intrinsically linked to the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources and wildlife.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · Ohio · House Oct 29, 2025

HB 540: Require payments in lieu of taxes from certain conservation orgs

To enact section 5709.122 of the Revised Code to require payments in lieu of taxes from conservation organizations with significant holdings of tax-exempt land.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill requires payments in lieu of taxes from tax-exempt land, which would increase revenue for state or local budgets, aligning with supporting fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill requires payments in lieu of taxes to local governments, which could increase overall revenue, a portion of which often funds local K-12 schools.65% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentThe bill requires payments from conservation organizations, potentially limiting their financial resources for environmental protection and conservation efforts.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · Ohio · Senate Nov 19, 2025

SB 329: Prohibit road surface application of brine from oil, gas wells

To amend sections 1509.03, 1509.22, 1509.222, 1509.223, 1509.224, 1509.33, and 1509.99 and to repeal section 1509.226 of the Revised Code to expressly prohibit the surface application of brine from oil and gas wells on roads.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyThe bill prohibits a practice related to oil and gas wells (a form of energy production), thereby restricting and limiting an operational aspect within the energy topic area.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill prohibits the surface application of brine from oil and gas wells on roads, a measure that protects the environment by preventing potential pollution.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill protects public health by prohibiting the surface application of potentially harmful brine from oil and gas wells on roads, preventing environmental contamination.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProhibits brine from oil/gas wells on roads, protecting transportation infrastructure from potential degradation or environmental impacts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Roads & Highways

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passed · Ohio · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 181: Regards limestone, dolomite mining; increase severance taxes

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill's title explicitly states it will 'increase severance taxes,' directly impacting state revenue and fiscal management, thus advancing the 'Budget & Taxes' topic.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill increases severance taxes on mining and establishes regulations for underground mining, which can help manage the environmental impact of resource extraction.80% confidence

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