Housing

in committee · Ohio · Senate May 13, 2026

SB 428: Enact the Build Smart Act

To amend sections 307.37, 715.27, 1312.01, 1312.02, 1506.01, 2711.02, 3709.091, 3718.01, 3718.023, 3781.06, 3781.10, 3781.102, and 4722.01 and to enact sections 3781.1012 and 4722.09 of the Revised Code to apply the residential building code and various other laws to four-family dwellings, to permit certain buildings to have a single stairway exit, and to name this act the Build Smart Act.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands building codes to four-family dwellings and allows single-stairway exits, facilitating increased housing development and affordability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Zoning

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passed · Ohio · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 757: Enact the Rental Home Marketplace Guarantees Act

This bill creates the Rental Home Marketplace Guarantees Act to regulate how online rental platforms handle guarantees for renters. It defines rental home marketplaces as platforms that connect property owners with renters and requires these platforms to back their guarantees with reimbursement insurance policies if they fail to perform. The law mandates that providers must make guarantee terms available online and include clear statements on their contracts explaining that the guarantee is not an insurance contract but is backed by insurance. Additionally, the bill establishes that if a provider cannot fulfill a guarantee within 180 days after a claim is filed, renters can claim directly from the insurance company. The legislation applies to consumer transactions involving these platforms and clarifies that providers are not considered insurance companies under state law.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by requiring rental platforms to back guarantees with insurance, reducing financial risk for renters and increasing housing market transparency.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill regulates online rental platforms to protect consumers, enhancing consumer protection through insurance requirements and transparency mandates.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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in committee · Ohio · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 765: Modify the affordable single-family home credit

This bill modifies Ohio's affordable single-family home tax credit program to update definitions and procedures for developers and housing agencies. It directly affects nonprofit developers, government entities, and investors involved in building affordable housing by clarifying terms like "qualified project," "affordability period," and "eligible developer." The key mechanism allows the Ohio Housing Finance Agency director to reserve tax credits for projects that meet specific criteria, with a cap of $50 million annually and requirements that homes remain affordable for ten years. Developers must submit detailed applications, and the director evaluates them competitively while ensuring the total credit amount does not exceed 35% of estimated development costs. The bill also establishes rules for tracking project ownership and ensuring buyers occupy homes as primary residences during the affordability period.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill modifies tax credit program to support affordable housing development, providing fiscal incentives for qualified projects and promoting economic development through targeted tax benefits.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill modifies affordable single-family home tax credit program to update definitions and procedures, directly affecting developers and agencies building affordable housing through tax credit mechanisms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

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in committee · Ohio · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 749: Regards deed and title fraud prevention

This bill strengthens Ohio's deed and title fraud prevention system by requiring county auditors to examine and stamp property conveyances before county recorders can file them, while also mandating photo identification for individuals submitting documents. It establishes a property protection program that notifies owners when a deed is presented for transfer and temporarily blocks the transfer for 24 hours unless the owner authorizes it. The legislation also requires real estate licensees to complete continuing education focused on fraud prevention and updates procedures for transferring property through inheritance by requiring affidavits from heirs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens property protection systems, preventing fraud that could harm homeowners and stabilize housing markets through enhanced verification and notification processes.85% confidence

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in committee · Ohio · House Feb 18, 2026

HB 704: Enact the Promised Land Act

To amend sections 5725.38, 5725.98, 5726.61, 5726.98, 5729.21, 5729.98, 5747.86, and 5747.98 and to enact section 122.841 of the Revised Code to authorize a nonrefundable, transferable tax credit for charitable organizations that construct owner-occupied housing and to name this act the Promised Land Act.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes tax credit for charitable housing construction, providing tax relief to organizations promoting affordable housing development.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes tax credits for charitable orgs building owner-occupied housing, directly funding affordable housing development through economic incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

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signed · Ohio · Senate Sep 30, 2025

SB 138: Modify alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services laws

To amend sections 340.011, 340.03, 340.032, 340.036, 340.041, 340.05, 340.08, 5119.22, 5119.221, 5119.25, and 5119.99 and to enact section 340.038 of the Revised Code to modify various laws regarding boards of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services and to impose penalties for not registering recovery housing residences.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill modifies laws for mental health and addiction services and imposes penalties for unregistered recovery housing, aiming to improve rehabilitation programs and reduce recidivism.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill directly modifies laws regarding alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services, and imposes penalties for unregistered recovery housing, strengthening these healthcare areas.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingThe bill imposes penalties for not registering recovery housing residences, indicating a measure to regulate and ensure oversight of a specific type of housing.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

in committee · Ohio · House Jun 18, 2025

HB 355: Increase vote threshold for local taxes subject to voter approval

To amend sections 128.35, 128.37, 128.38, 306.70, 307.697, 322.02, 345.02, 353.06, 511.07, 715.691, 715.70, 715.71, 715.72, 718.04, 718.09, 718.10, 757.02, 3318.06, 4301.421, 4504.02, 4504.15, 4504.21, 5739.021, 5739.026, 5739.09, 5743.021, 5743.024, 5743.026, 5748.021, 5748.03, 5748.08, and 5748.09 and to enact section 5705.17 of the Revised Code to increase the approval threshold required for passage of local taxes subject to voter approval.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesThe bill increases the vote threshold for local taxes, making it harder for local governments to raise revenue, thereby restricting their fiscal management capabilities.95% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill increases voter approval threshold for local taxes, making it harder for school districts to pass levies and secure funding for operations and facilities, as evidenced by the amendment of section 3318.06 (School Facilities Law).88% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingIncreasing the approval threshold for local taxes could make it harder for communities to fund housing initiatives, affordable housing programs, or related infrastructure.65% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationThe bill increases the voter approval threshold for local taxes, including those under Chapter 4504 (Local Motor Vehicle License Tax), making it harder to fund transportation infrastructure and services.88% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax Property Taxes Tags Local Government

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in committee · Ohio · House Sep 15, 2025

HB 427: Authorize voluntary demand response program for certain customers

To amend section 4909.192 and to enact section 4928.106 of the Revised Code to authorize voluntary demand response programs for residential and small commercial customers.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAuthorizes voluntary demand response programs, which advance energy efficiency and grid management for electric utilities and consumers.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizing voluntary demand response programs promotes energy conservation and efficiency, which can reduce overall energy demand and associated environmental impacts.80% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizing demand response programs for residential customers can reduce utility costs, indirectly contributing to housing affordability by lowering household expenses.60% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAuthorizes voluntary demand response programs, which inherently rely on smart grid technology and data communication to manage energy use, thus advancing technology's application.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Utility Regulation

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in committee · Ohio · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 67: Regards support payments under the Ohio Works First program

To amend sections 5107.05, 5107.10, and 5107.20 of the Revised Code regarding the pass-through of support payments under the Ohio Works First program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesThe bill amends the pass-through of support payments under Ohio Works First, likely increasing financial support for beneficiaries of this essential public assistance program.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill amends sections regarding 'support payments' under the Ohio Works First program, with 'Medicaid' and 'Health and Human Services' listed as subjects. Changes to public assistance payments can directly impact beneficiaries' financial stabil...75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAdjusts support payments under the Ohio Works First program, a public assistance program vital for low-income families to afford basic needs, including housing.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes

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in committee · Ohio · Senate Oct 1, 2025

SB 234: Increase the state minimum wage

SB 234 would raise the state's minimum hourly wage rate for covered workers. It directly affects employees earning the current minimum wage and employers required to pay it. The bill amends specific sections of the Revised Code to establish a new, higher minimum wage rate and repeals the existing minimum wage provision (section 4111.07). This change would take effect on a specified date, increasing pay for eligible workers.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRaising the minimum wage increases the income of low-wage workers, which can indirectly improve their ability to afford housing and reduce housing insecurity.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentSB 234 explicitly increases the state's minimum hourly wage, directly advancing workers' wages, a core aspect of Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Minimum Wage

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