Public Policy Advocates - Legislative Updates - Business & Environment

*denotes enacted legislation or legislation with companion legislation enacted. Searching for Legislation of Interest - On most computers hit Ctrl + F to search/find a key word or Ohio Revised Code Section. If you are looking for legislation amending, enacting or repealing a code section like ORC 4301 you would type Ctrl + F then type in 4301. The search would take you to the first legislation with that ORC title listed. To find legislation related to "mortgage" type Ctrl + F then type mortgage.

July 24, 2008 (for 127th General Assembly 2007- 2008) Reverse chronological order

HB 599 SALES TAX EXEMPTION-SATELLITE BROADCASTING SERVICES - To amend sections 5739.01, 5739.02, 5739.035, and 5739.17 of the Revised Code to exempt sales of satellite broadcasting services from sales and use taxation and to provide that the provisions of this act in section 5739.035 of the Revised Code terminate on January 1, 2010, when that section is repealed on that date. Introduced in the House July 2, 2008 TEXT

HB 591 OIL & GAS WELLS - To amend sections 1509.06, 1509.072, and 1509.31 of the Revised Code to establish additional public notice and public meeting requirements concerning applications for certain permits for oil or gas wells. Introduced in the House June 12, 2008. TEXT

*HB 562 - BUDGET CORRECTIONS - CAPITAL BILL -To make capital and other appropriations and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of state programs. SIGNED by the GOVERNOR June 24, 2008 - To View Veto Message CLICK HERE.

*HB 554 ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE - To amend sections 149.311, 166.01, 166.02, 166.08, 166.11, 184.02, 1555.03, 3333.38, 3345.32, 3706.01, 5725.151, 5733.47, 5747.76, and 5747.98; to enact sections 164.28, 166.25, 166.26, 166.27, 166.30, 184.174, 184.23, 184.231, 184.24 to 184.26, 184.37, 3333.71 to 3333.81, and 3706.25 to 3706.30 of the Revised Code; and to amend Section 229.10 of Am. Sub. H.B. 67 of the 127th General Assembly, to establish the Ohio Bioproducts Development Program and Ohio Biomedical Development Program to be administered by the Third Frontier Commission, to establish advisory boards to the Third Frontier Commission, to expand the economic development programs administered by the Department of Development to include transportation logistics and distribution infrastructure projects, to provide additional money for capital improvement projects of local subdivisions, to modify the authority of the Ohio Coal Development Office, to provide for advanced energy projects administered by the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, to establish the Choose Ohio First Co-op/Internship Program, to extend the historical building rehabilitation tax credit, limit credit amounts, and require regional distributive balance and economic effects to be considered, to modify the definition of an air quality facility, to create minority outreach requirements for loan and grant programs established under this bill, and to make an appropriation. Signed by the Governor June 12, 2008 - line item veto included on certain provisions. FINAL TEXT Click Here - - VETO Text from Governor Strickland which is not noted in the Final text - see both links for complete text enacted.

HJR 5 CLEAN OHIO FUND - Proposing to enact Section 2q of Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to authorize the issuance of general and other obligations of the state to pay the costs relating to environmental and related conservation, preservation, and revitalization purposes. Passed the House May 21, 2008. Passed the Senate May 28, 2008. TEXT

HB 551 OIL & GAS - To amend sections 1509.01, 1509.08, and 1513.07 of the Revised Code to revise the requirements in the Oil and Gas Law concerning the location of a well in a coal bearing township, to revise the application requirements for a coal mining operation permit, and to define "affected mine" for purposes of the Oil and Gas Law. Pending in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. First hearing May 21, 2008. Second hearing May 28, 2008. TEXT

HB 550 WIRELESS 911 FEES - To amend sections 4931.61, 4931.62, 4931.63, 4931.64, 4931.65, 4931.66, and 4931.70 of the Revised Code to extend until 2013 the wireless 9-1-1 charge, to raise the minimum, annual fund disbursement amount for each county from $25,000 to $90,000, and to broaden local uses of that revenue. Pending in the House Finance Committee. First hearing May 13, 2008.

HB 545 SHORT TERM LENDING LAW - To amend sections 109.572, 135.63, 1109.15, 1151.29, 1181.05, 1181.21, 1181.25, 1315.99, 1321.02, 1321.21, 1321.99, 1345.01, 1349.71, 1349.72, 1733.25, and 2307.61, to enact sections 121.085, 135.68, 135.69, 135.70, 1321.35, 1321.36, 1321.37, 1321.38, 1321.39, 1321.40, 1321.41, 1321.42, 1321.43, 1321.44, 1321.45, 1321.46, 1321.47, and 1321.48, and to repeal sections 1315.35, 1315.36, 1315.37, 1315.38, 1315.39, 1315.40, 1315.41, 1315.42, 1315.43, and 1315.44 of the Revised Code to repeal the Check-Cashing Lender Law, to establish the short-term lender law, to authorize savings and loan associations and credit unions to make short-term loans with special terms, to create a short-term installment loan linked deposit program, and to expand the responsibilities of the Consumer Finance Education Board. Passed out of the House April 30, 3008. Passed out of the Senate May 14, 2008 (29-4). On House floor for concurrence May 21, 2008. TEXT.

HB 544 TOBACCO FUNDS - To amend sections 102.02, 183.021, 183.30, 183.33, and 2151.87; to enact sections 3701.84 and 3701.841; to repeal sections 183.03, 183.04, 183.05, 183.06, 183.061, 183.07, 183.08, 183.09, and 183.10 of the Revised Code; to repeal Section 3 of Am. S.B. 192 of the 127th General Assembly, to repeal Section 4 of S.B. 209 of the 127th General Assembly, and to repeal Section 205.10 of Sub. S.B. 321 of the 126th General Assembly to abolish the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Foundation and transfer certain powers of the Foundation to the Department of Health, to make an appropriation, and to declare an emergency. Passed out of the House April 30, 2008. Introduced in the Senate. Pending in the Senate Finance Committee. First hearing May 1, 2008. TEXT

HB 522 UNIFORM PRUDENT MANAGEMENT of INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS ACT - To amend sections 1715.51, 1715.52, 1715.55, 1715.56, 1715.57, 1715.58, 1715.59, 3345.05, and 5813.06; to amend, for the purpose of adopting new section numbers as indicated in parentheses, sections 1715.52 (1715.53), 1715.55 (1715.54), 1715.56 (1715.52), and 1715.57 (1715.55); to enact new sections 1715.56 and 1715.57; and to repeal sections 1715.53 and 1715.54 of the Revised Code for the purpose of adopting the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act by revising the Ohio Uniform Management of Institutional Funds Act. An Amended bill was reported out of the House Civil and Commercial Law Committee May 7, 2008.

HB 521 OHIO COMMISSION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM - To create the Ohio Commission on Local Government Reform and Collaboration to develop recommendations on reforming and restructuring local government in Ohio. Introduced in the House. Pending in the Local and Municipal Government and Urban Revitalization Committee. Fourth hearing May 1, 2008. Fifth hearing May 8, 2008. Sixth hearing May 15, 2008. TEXT

*HB 499 TRUST CODES -To amend sections 2109.01, 5801.01, 5801.02, 5801.06, 5801.10, 5803.02, 5803.03, 5804.02, 5804.11, 5804.13, 5804.14, 5804.17, 5805.01, 5805.03, 5806.01, 5806.02, 5806.03, 5806.04, 5808.13, 5808.14, 5808.16, 5810.05, 5810.11, 5810.13, and 5815.35, to enact section 5801.11, and to repeal section 2109.022 of the Revised Code to modify the Ohio Trust Code and the Fiduciary Law. Signed by the Governor on June 12, 2008 - Effective in 90 days. TEXT

HB 496 CAPITAL REAPPROPRIATIONS - To make capital reappropriations for the biennium ending June 30, 2010, and certain capital appropriations. TEXT On 03/21/2008 Signed by the Governor - Effective in 90 days.

HB 494 SANITARY DISTRICTS - To amend sections 6115.04, 6115.05, 6115.06, 6115.08, 6115.16, 6115.46, and 6115.69 and to enact sections 6115.051, 6115.081, 6115.082, 6115.091, 6115.092, 6115.093, 6115.094, 6115.095, 6115.096, and 6115.321 of the Revised Code to revise the law governing sanitary districts that are organized wholly for the reduction of populations of biting arthropods. TEXT Introduced in the House March 5, 2008. Pending in the House State Government and Elections Committee.

HB 491 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING SAFETY STANDARDS - To amend sections 3781.10, 3781.104, and 5302.30 of the Revised Code to require fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors in residential buildings and residential units, to direct the Board of Building Standards to adopt rules that establish product and installation standards for fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors, to require transferors of residential real property to disclose whether fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in their property, and to prohibit a transferor of residential real property from entering into a transfer agreement unless fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors are installed as the bill requires. TEXT Introduced in the House February 26, 2008. Pending in the House House State Government and Elections Committee.

HB 487 RENEWABLE ENERGY - To amend section 1571.01 and to enact sections 1572.01, 1572.02, 1572.03, 1572.04, 1572.05, 1572.06, 1572.07, 3706.31, 3706.32, 3706.33, 3706.34, 3706.35, 3706.36, 4928.64, 4928.65, 4928.66, 4928.68, and 5501.452 of the Revised Code to establish alternative energy benchmarks for electric distribution utilities and electric services companies, provide for the use of renewable energy credits, establish energy efficiency standards for electric distribution utilities and require the Department of Development to establish energy efficiency programs, create the Ohio Renewable Energy Authority to provide loans and grants to renewable energy businesses, establish policies regarding the geologic storage of carbon dioxide, and require greenhouse gas emission reporting and carbon control planning for generating facilities. TEXT Pending in the House House Public Utilities. Third hearing March 6, 2008. Fourth hearing March 12, 2008.

HB 482 BULK DATA REQUESTS - To amend section 149.43 of the Revised Code to authorize public offices to limit the number of bulk data requests, impose charges to cover the actual costs associated with bulk data requests, and charge for the cost of redacting certain information. TEXT Introduced on February 19, 2008. Pending in the House Civil and Commercial Law Committee.

HB 481 UNINSURED MOTORISTS - To amend sections 2305.16 and 3937.18 of the Revised Code to include in the definition of uninsured motorist, operators who avoid liability because of a "sudden emergency" plea, to prohibit uninsured and underinsured coverage from limiting or contracting certain coverage requirements, and to include uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage in the current tolling of the statute of limitations due to the person bringing an action being within the age of minority or of unsound mind. TEXT Introduced in the House February 19, 2008. Pending in the House Insurance Committee.

HB 480 REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY - To enact sections 306.322 and 306.55 of the Revised Code to create an additional procedure for subdivisions to join a regional transit authority that levies a property tax and that includes a county having a population of at least 400,000 and to allow a subdivision that is a member of such a regional transit authority to withdraw from the authority. TEXT Introduced on February 18, 2008. Pending in the House Local and Municipal Government and Urban Revitalization Committee. First hearing April 9, 2008.

HB 474 INSTANT BINGO - To amend sections 2915.01 and 2915.091 of the Revised Code to change the definition of "instant bingo ticket dispenser" and to authorize a charitable organization to purchase, lease, and use instant bingo ticket dispensers. TEXT Introduced on February 12, 2008. Pending in the House State Government and Elections Committee.

HB 470 TOWNSHIP AUTHORITY/ROADS - To enact section 5571.18 of the Revised Code to authorize a board of township trustees to order township workers to enter upon land in order to remove vegetation that blocks or otherwise interferes with the sight lines of motorists traveling on township roads. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Local & Municipal Government & Urban Revitalization Committee. Sixth hearing May 1, 2008. Seventh hearing May 15, 2008.

HB 460 APPRENTICE AUCTIONEER - To amend section 4707.09 of the Revised Code to allow an apprentice auctioneer to conduct an auction for a charitable organization without supervision by a licensed auctioneer. TEXT Introduced on February 5, 2008. Pending in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

HB 458 LOCAL GOVERNMENT-ROAD/BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION/REPAIR - To amend sections 505.60, 505.601, 5705.05, and 5705.06 of the Revised Code to authorize the taxing authority of a subdivision to use money derived from the general levy for current expenses for road and bridge construction and repair, and to make clarifying changes to the laws authorizing a township to provide health care insurance. Reported out of the House Ways and Means Committee May 7, 2008. Passed out of the House May 22, 2008. TEXT

HB 450 HANDGUN PURCHASE - To amend section 2923.211 of the Revised Code to permit a member of the armed services or the Ohio National Guard who is between the ages of 18 and 21 to purchase a handgun if the person has received firearms training. TEXT Passed out of the House May 22, 2008.

HB 444 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING -To amend sections 4740.01, 4740.02, 4740.04, and 4740.07 and to enact section 4740.16 of the Revised Code to make changes to the construction industry licensing laws to discipline unlicensed contractors and eliminate unlicensed contractor activity. Reported out of the House Commerce and Labor Committee on April 8, 2008. TEXT

HB 443 PUBLIC NOTICE WEB SITE - To amend sections 7.12 and 5721.01 and to enact sections 7.16, 125.181, 125.182, 125.183, and 5721.012 of the Revised Code to establish the State-Sanctioned Public Notice web site, to permit any notice required to be published by statute or rule to be published on the web site, and to make changes to the qualifications for newspapers publishing public notices and the methods by which newspapers publish notice. TEXT Pending in the House Civil and Commercial Law Committee. First hearing April 2, 2008.

HB 441 DRIVING PRIVILEGES - To amend section 4507.071 of the Revised Code to allow a court, under certain circumstances, to grant unaccompanied driving privileges one time to a probationary driver's license holder who, because of a moving violation, otherwise would be subject to a restriction that the person be accompanied by the holder's parent or guardian. TEXT Pending in the House Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Committee. First hearing April 2, 2008.

HB 437 OHIO HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR LAW -To enact sections 4722.01 to 4722.07 of the Revised Code to establish the Ohio Home Improvement Contractor Law, to deem that specified violations of the law constitute a violation of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act, and to provide civil remedies for owners who are damaged by a contractor who violates the law. TEXT Pending in the House Civil and Commercial Law Committee. Third Hearing April 30, 2008. Fourth hearing May 14, 2008. Fifth hearing May 21, 2008.

HB 436 MUNICIPAL CONTRACTS - To amend sections 307.86, 6101.16, 6103.10, 6115.20, and 6119.10 and to enact section 735.054 of the Revised Code to authorize municipal and other political subdivision contracts for maintenance and repair of a water storage tank to be awarded without competitive bidding under specified conditions. TEXT Pending in the House Local and Municipal Government and Urban Revitalization Committee. Second hearing February 2, 2008.

*HB 429 DESTINATION BASED SOURCING - SALES TAX - To amend sections 5703.70, 5739.03, 5739.033, 5739.034, 5739.24, 5741.03, and 5741.05 and to enact section 5739.061 of the Revised Code and later to repeal sections 5739.035, 5739.123, 5739.24, and 5740.10 of the Revised Code to require vendors to utilize origin-based sourcing for intrastate sales beginning January 1, 2010, to discontinue compensation of impacted counties for sales tax losses incurred under destination-based sourcing, to compensate vendors required to convert from destination-based sourcing to origin-based sourcing, to permit a vendor, when making a refund, to retain the amount of the delivery charge and sales taxes attributable to the charge, and to declare an emergency. Signed by the Governor. Effective April 18, 2008 with some section having later effective dates as noted in text of ACT. TEXT

HB 422 WATER RESOURCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STUDY - To create the Water Resources and Economic Development Study Committee. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Economic Development Committee. TEXT

HB 409 ENGLISH ONLY - DRIVERS LICENSE TESTING - To enact section 4506.091 of the Revised Code to require that commercial driver's license tests be given in English. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Infrastructure and Homeland Security Committee. Third hearing April 30, 2008. TEXT

HB 407 TAX EXEMPTION-PROPANE - To amend section 5739.02 of the Revised Code to expand the sales tax exemption for sales of natural gas, and to extend exemption to sales of propane. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Ways and Means Committee. First hearing March 12, 2008. TEXT

*HB 404 VIATICAL SETTLEMENTS - To amend sections 1321.72, 1321.78, 3916.01 to 3916.03, 3916.05 to 3916.07, 3916.09 to 3916.20, and 3916.99 and to enact sections 3911.021, 3916.031, 3916.171, 3916.172, and 3916.173 of the Revised Code To make changes to the law governing viatical settlements; Exempts certain attorneys, certified public accountants, financial planners, and insurance agents from viatical settlement provider or broker licensure requirements; Allows the Superintendent of Insurance to refuse to issue, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license because the licensee was the subject of administrative action by the Department of Commerce, Division of Securities; Requires all premium finance companies to disclose premium finance agreements relating to life insurance policies to the insurer. Passed out of the House and Senate. Signed by the Governor on June 11, 2008 - Effective in 90 days. TEXT

HB 400 RAILROAD - To enact section 3733.60 of the Revised Code to require railroad companies to maintain certain meeting, housing, and food service facilities according to certain specifications. Introduced in the House November 28, 2007. Pending in the House Commerce and Labor Committee. First hearing January 15, 2008. TEXT

HB 397 WORKERS' COMPENSATION - To amend section 4123.01 of the Revised Code to exempt individuals covered under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act from coverage under Ohio's Workers' Compensation Law unless an employer elects to provide such coverage. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Commerce and Labor Committee. The Bill was amended during a hearing held on March 11, 2008. Fifth hearing April 8, 2008.

* HB 385 GREENSPACE - TOWNSHIPS -To amend section 5705.19 of the Revised Code to permit land acquired by a board of township trustees for the purpose of protecting or preserving "greenspace" to be used for recreational purposes. Signed by the Governor on June 12, 2008 - Effective in 90 days. TEXT

HB 374 CORPORATION LAWS- To amend sections 1701.04, 1701.24, 1701.55, 1701.58, 1701.591, 1701.69, 1701.70, and 1701.76 of the Revised Code to allow the original articles of incorporation to eliminate cumulative voting in the election of directors, to remove restrictions for certain corporations regarding the elimination of cumulative voting, to exclude from the existing procedures for the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of a corporation the sale of those assets to the corporation's wholly owned subsidiaries, to permit the articles or certain regulations of a corporation to provide for uncertificated shares, and to authorize the directors to amend the articles with respect to series of shares. Passed out of the House March 11, 2008. Introduced in the Senate. Passed out of the Senate Judiciary - Civil Justice Committee April 15, 2008 . TEXT

HB 362 CONSUMER FINANCE - To amend sections 1321.01, 1321.57, 1321.58, and 1321.99 of the Revised Code to authorize additional charges under the Consumer Finance Law and to prohibit an automated valuation model provider from reporting a predetermined property valuation. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Financial Institutions Committee. Third hearing April 2, 2008. TEXT

HB 359 COUNTY AUTHORITIES/NUISANCE ABATEMENT-To amend sections 321.261 and 323.47 of the Revised Code to authorize the prosecutor and treasurer of a county with a population greater than 100,000 to utilize surplus delinquent tax collections to facilitate nuisance abatement of deteriorated residential buildings in foreclosure and to prosecute criminal and civil real estate transaction-related violations of the law, and to require all taxes, penalties, and assessments known to be a lien against foreclosed property when the deed is transferred to be discharged out of the proceeds of judicial and partition sales. Reported out of the House Ways and Means Committee April 9, 2008. Passed out of the House May 13, 2008. TEXT

HB 358 CHECKING CASHING BUSINESS LOAN LAW -To amend sections 1315.39, 1315.40, 1315.41, and 1343.01 of the Revised Code to modify the provisions for making a loan under the Check-Cashing Business Loan law. Pending in the House Financial Institutions Committee. First hearing December 12, 2007. Second hearing January 22, 2008. TEXT

HB 357 ENERGY DEVELOPMENT-SUPPLY - To amend sections 123.01, 1505.07, 1506.11, 1531.06, 1571.01, 4503.10, 4503.101, 4503.103, 4928.01, 4928.51, 4928.61, and 4928.67, to enact sections 122.155, 122.156, 122.157, 131.50, 164.30, 1506.111, 1509.50, 1509.51, 1509.52, 1509.53, 1509.54, 1509.55, 1551.21, 1572.01 to 1572.07, 4928.68, 4928.70, 4928.701, 4928.702, 4928.703, 4928.704, 4928.705, 4928.706, 4928.707, 4928.708, 4928.709, 4928.7010, 4928.7011, 4928.7012, 4928.7013, 4928.7014, 4928.7015, 4928.7016, 4928.7017, 4933.51 to 4933.58, 5301.073, 5311.192, and 5501.452, and to repeal sections 5119.40, 5120.12, and 5123.23 of the Revised Code to modify and expand the laws governing energy development and supply in the state. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Alternative Energy Committee. Fifth Hearing December 4, 2007. Sixth hearing December 11, 2007. TEXT

HB 338 BUSINESS UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE -To enact sections 122.84, 122.841, 122.842, 122.843, 122.844, and 5727.451 of the Revised Code to create a program to provide funding for utility infrastructure development projects to attract new business opportunities for the state. Reported by the House State Government and Elections Committee April 10, 2008. TEXT

HB 337 CHECK CASHING LENDERS - To amend sections 1181.06, 1315.36, 1315.39, 1315.40, and 1315.41 and to enact section 121.085 of the Revised Code to modify terms and permissible charges under the Check-Cashing Lender Law, to establish the Financial Literacy Education Fund, to authorize the Director of Commerce to administer the fund and establish adult financial literacy education programs, and to create the Small Emergency Loan Task Force. Pending in the House Financial Institutions Committee. Fourth hearing April 30, 2008. TEXT

HB 333 CHECK CASHING BUSINESSES -To amend sections 135.63, 1315.35, 1315.36, 1315.39, 1315.40, 1315.41, 1321.13, 1321.131, 1349.72, and 1733.25 and to enact sections 135.68, 135.69, 135.70, and 1315.45 of the Revised Code to prohibit a check-cashing business from making a loan to a borrower who has an outstanding loan with any check-cashing licensee, to create a statewide database of loans by check-cashing licensees, to modify the terms for making a loan under the check-cashing loan act, to create a small loan linked deposit program, to expand the responsibilities of the consumer finance education board to promote small loan counseling and education for borrowers, and to eliminate a certain credit union lending option. Pending in the House Financial Institutions Committee. Fourth hearing April 30, 2008. TEXT

HB332 OHIO PARTNERSHIP ACT -To amend sections 111.16, 150.05, 1322.03, 1329.01, 1329.02, 1329.04, 1701.05, 1702.05, 1703.04, 1705.05, 1782.02, 1782.20, 1782.60, 2329.66, 4715.22, 4749.03, 5810.11, and 5815.35, to enact sections 1775.66, 1776.01 to 1776.08, 1776.10 to 1776.12, 1776.21 to 1776.24, 1776.31 to 1776.38, 1776.41 to 1776.58, 1776.61 to 1776.79, 1776.81 to 1776.89, 1776.91, 1776.92, 1776.95, 1776.96, 1777.07, 1779.12, 1782.64, and 2307.30, and to repeal, effective January 1, 2010, sections 1775.01, 1775.02, 1775.03, 1775.04, 1775.05, 1775.06, 1775.07, 1775.08, 1775.09, 1775.10, 1775.11, 1775.12, 1775.13, 1775.14, 1775.15, 1775.16, 1775.17, 1775.18, 1775.19, 1775.20, 1775.21, 1775.22, 1775.23, 1775.24, 1775.25, 1775.26, 1775.27, 1775.28, 1775.29, 1775.30, 1775.31, 1775.32, 1775.33, 1775.34, 1775.35, 1775.36, 1775.37, 1775.38, 1775.39, 1775.40, 1775.41, 1775.42, 1775.45, 1775.46, 1775.47, 1775.48, 1775.49, 1775.50, 1775.51, 1775.52, 1775.53, 1775.54, 1775.55, 1775.56, 1775.61, 1775.62, 1775.63, 1775.64, 1775.65, 1777.01, 1777.02, 1777.03, 1777.04, 1777.05, 1777.06, 1779.01, 1779.02, 1779.03, 1779.04, 1779.05, 1779.06, 1779.07, 1779.08, 1779.09, 1779.10, and 1779.11 of the Revised Code to adopt the Revised Uniform Partnership Act to be known as the "Ohio Uniform Partnership Act (1997)," to establish that on and after January 1, 2009, the act governs new partnerships and partnerships that elect to be governed by the act, to establish that effective January 1, 2010, the act governs all partnerships in Ohio, and to establish that effective January 1, 2010, the existing Ohio Partnership Law no longer governs partnerships. Passed the House January 9, 2008.Passed the Senate. Signed by the Governor. Effective August 6, 2008. TEXT

HB 328 RAILROAD SECURITY - To amend section 3750.20 and to enact section 3750.23 of the Revised Code to require rail owners and operators to secure rail facilities and equipment from the threat of terrorism through the development of a vulnerability assessment, an infrastructure protection program, and proper communication with public authorities and to provide civil penalties for noncompliance by a rail owner or operator. Introduced in the House September 27, 2007. Pending in the House Infrastructure and Homeland Security Committee. First hearing October24, 2007 . TEXT

*HB 323 FENSES LAW - To amend sections 971.01, 971.04, 971.05, 971.06, 971.07, 971.08, 971.09, 971.10, 971.33, 971.34, and 971.99; to amend for the purpose of adopting new section numbers as indicated in parentheses sections 971.04 (971.09), 971.05 (971.10), 971.06 (971.11), 971.07 (971.12), 971.08 (971.13), 971.09 (971.14), and 971.10 (971.15); to enact new sections 971.02, 971.03, 971.04, 971.05, 971.06, 971.07, 971.08, 971.16, 971.17, and 971.18 and section 971.071; and to repeal sections 971.02, 971.03, 971.11, 971.12, 971.13, 971.14, 971.15, 971.16, 971.17, 971.18, 971.21, 971.22, 971.23, 971.24, 971.25, 971.26, 971.27, 971.28, 971.29, 971.30, 971.31, and 971.32 of the Revised Code to revise the Fences Law. Passed the House May 13, 2008. Passed the Senate May 28, 2008. House Concurred in Senate Changes June 10, 2008. Sent to the Governor.

HB 318 COUNTY & TOWNSHIP ROADS - To amend sections 5541.05, 5571.20, and 5735.27 of the Revised Code to make changes relative to the provisions that govern the placing of county and township roads on nonmaintained status. Passed the House April 28, 2008. Introduced in the Senate. Pending in the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee. Second hearing May 20, 2008. TEXT

HB 316 SMOKING - To amend sections 3794.01 and 3794.03 of the Revised Code to allow smoking in cigar bars and in outdoor seating areas of restaurants that are at least 20 feet away from an entrance, exit, or window of the restaurant. Introduced in the House September 18, 2007. Pending in the House State Government Committee. First hearing October 11, 2007. TEXT

HB 313 RENEWABLE ENERGY - To enact sections 4905.66, 4905.661, 4905.662, 4905.663, and 4905.664 of the Revised Code to create a renewable energy portfolio standard for electric suppliers and authorize a state system of tradable renewable energy credits. Introduced September 11, 2007. Referred to the Committee on Alternative Energy.

HB 307 BMV - FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILTY COMPLIANCE FUND - To amend sections 4503.20 and 4509.101 of the Revised Code to require the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to establish a procedure allowing courts to apply for money from the Financial Responsibility Compliance Fund to cover costs incurred by the courts in connection with the enforcement of the traffic laws. Pending in the House Infrastructure and Homeland Security Committee. First hearing October 3, 2007.

HB 306 FINGERPRINTING - To amend sections 109.58, 109.60, and 109.61 of the Revised Code to require all law enforcement agencies to take and process the fingerprints of persons arrested for specified offenses and to amend the court's role in ordering fingerprints to be taken from persons who were not fingerprinted when arrested or taken into custody. Reported by the House Criminal Justice Committee May 28, 2008. TEXT

*HB 295 ENERGY CONSERVATION COUNTIES - To amend sections 133.20 and 307.041 of the Revised Code to require that the amount spent by counties on energy conservation measures be unlikely to exceed the amount saved in energy and operating costs over the average system life of the measures, and to require that financed measures be paid for within the lesser of their average system life or thirty years. Signed by the Governor. Effective July 31, 2008. TEXT

HB 289 AGRICULTURE SECURITY LAW - Agricultural Security Areas - To make changes to the law governing agricultural security areas; Alters the definition of "new development" for purposes of the Agricultural Security Areas Law by expanding the exclusions from "new development" to include the construction, modification, or operation of wind energy-producing facilities, easements for electricity, gas, or oil transmission or distribution lines, construction, modification, or operation of electricity, gas, or oil distribution lines, the grants of new mineral leases, or the drilling or operation of any oil or gas well on or in connection with the applicable land under certain circumstances. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR - Effective July 18, 2008. TEXT

HB 288 PETROLEUM TAX - To enact sections 5733.60, 5733.61, 5733.62, 5733.63, 5733.64, 5733.65, 5733.66, 5733.67, and 5733.68 of the Revised Code to levy an annual tax on the net income of a petroleum business engaged in, or that is part of a unitary business engaged in, the business of petroleum refining. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Commerce & Labor Committee. First hearing October 16, 2007. TEXT

*HB 285 SMALL BUSINESSES - To enact section 119.14 of the Revised Code to waive fines or penalties for paperwork violations that are first-time offenses committed by small businesses. Signed by the Governor on June 17, 2008 - Effective in 90 days. TEXT

HB 257 HOME INSPECTIONS -To amend sections 121.08 and 4745.01 and to enact sections 4768.01 to 4768.19 and 4768.99 of the Revised Code to require the licensure of home inspectors and to create the Ohio Home Inspector Board to regulate the licensure and performance of home inspectors. Passed out of the House May 6, 2008. TEXT

HB 250 NATURAL GAS - To amend sections 4929.01 and 4929.02 and to enact section 4929.051 of the Revised Code relative to revenue decoupling for natural gas utilities and energy conservation. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Public Utilities Committee. Fourth hearing October 31, 2007. TEXT

*HB 248 CIVIL LITIGATION - To enact section 1349.55 of the Revised Code to set forth requirements governing non-recourse civil litigation advance contracts. Signed by the GOVERNOR May 28, 2008 - Effective in 90 days. TEXT

*HB 244 UNDERGROUND CABLES -To amend sections 515.04, 515.05, 515.08, 515.11, 515.12, and 515.15 and to enact section 515.16 of the Revised Code to authorize townships to relocate overhead cables, wires, and appurtenant equipment underground upon petition; to pay for a relocation by assessing abutting and otherwise specially benefited properties; to collect interest on unpaid assessments for an underground relocation project or an artificial lighting district project; and to exempt townships from liability for outages or other damage caused by a relocation project, and to exempt the owners of the cables, wires, and appurtenant equipment from liability, unless the outage or other damage was caused by the owner's negligence. Signed by the Governor May 14, 2008 - Effective in 90 days.

HB 235 SEWAGE DISCHARGES - To enact section 6111.051 of the Revised Code to establish notification requirements for the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage onto land or into the waters of the state. Pending in the House Economic Development and Environment Committee. Second hearing June 20, 2007 . TEXT

*HB233 AGRICULTURE/CHEMICALS/POLYMERS/ADVANCED MATERIALS TASK FORCE - To enact sections 122.23, 122.24, 122.25, 122.26, and 122.27 of the Revised Code and to amend Sections 384.10 and 757.03 of Am. Sub. H.B. 119 of the 127th General Assembly to revive the Rural Industrial Parks Loan Program, to make changes regarding the Local Government Service Collaboration Grant Fund Program, and to create the Ohio Agriculture to Chemicals, Polymers, and Advanced Materials Task Force. On 11/15/2007 the bill was Signed by the Governor. Effective Date - Sections 1 & 2 effective 2/14/08 with certain sections effective 11/15 /07. TEXT

HB 232 NEW BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE BUSINESS ENTITIES - To amend section 111.16 and to enact sections 1770.01 to 1770.17, 1770.20 to 1770.46, 1770.50 to 1770.56, 1770.60 to 1770.65, 1770.70 to 1770.72, 1770.80 to 1770.86, and 1770.99 of the Revised Code to authorize the establishment of a new form of cooperative business entity in this state. Introduced in the House May 22, 2007. Pending in the House Civil and Commercial Law Committee. Second hearing September 19, 2007.

HB 231 LOCAL TAXES/ALCOHOL-LIQUOR & CIGARETTES - To authorize electors of a county to levy a tax on alcoholic beverages and cigarettes to provide funding for expenses relating to alcohol and drug abuse and addiction services. Introduced in the House May 22, 2007. Pending in the House State Government and Elections Committee. TEXT

HB 227 WATER SEWER DISTRICTS - To amend sections 109.71, 109.73, and 109.77 and to enact sections 6119.60, 6119.61, 6119.62, 6119.63, and 6119.64 of the Revised Code to authorize regional water and sewer districts to establish police departments. Introduced in the House May 22, 2007. Pending in the House State Government and Elections Committee. TEXT

HB 224 MUNICIPAL TAXES- To amend section 718.05 of the Revised Code to specify that the municipal income tax annual return filing date shall not be earlier than the federal income tax filing date, to allow return preparers to use facsimile signatures on returns, and to permit taxpayers to authorize return preparers to communicate directly with municipal tax administrators. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR;Effective 3/24/08. TEXT

*HB217 GRAIN MARKETING PROGRAM - To amend sections 924.01, 924.02, 924.08, 924.09, and 924.99 and to enact sections 924.20 to 924.30 and 3717.53 of the Revised Code to establish a grain marketing program, to provide that the Director of Agriculture has exclusive authority to regulate the provision of food nutrition information at food service operations, and to provide incentives for bioproducts innovation in the Ohio polymer industry. On 12/21/2007 the bill was Signed by the Governor. Effective date: 3/15/08 with some sections immediately effective. TEXT

*HB 177 HORSE RACING - To amend sections 2915.01 and 3769.07 and to enact sections 2915.06 and 2915.061 of the Revised Code to allow the same person, association, trust, or corporation to own and operate two separate race tracks in Ohio, to modify the definition of "slot machine" and "skill-based amusement machine" for purposes of the Gambling Law, to create a limit on the redemption value of prizes associated with skill-based amusement machines, and to clarify regulatory authority pertaining to skill-based amusement machines and to declare an emergency. Signed by the Governor on October 25, 2007 - Effective October 25, 2007. TEXT

*HB169 LEAD ACID BATTERIES -To amend section 3734.13 and to enact sections 3734.91, 3734.911, 3734.912, 3734.913, 3734.914, and 3734.915 of the Revised Code to establish requirements governing the disposal and collection of used lead-acid batteries. On 01/25/2008 the bill was Signed by the Governor. Effective Date: 4/25/08. TEXT

HB 168 TURNPIKE COMMISSION - To enact section 5537.051 of the Revised Code to make the Ohio Turnpike Commission responsible for major maintenance and repair and replacement of grade separations at intersections of any turnpike project with county and township roads. TEXT Introduced in the House April 19, 2007. Pending in the House Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Committee. Firth hearing February 6, 2008.

HB 166 INTERNAL STATE AUDITING - To amend sections 124.341 and 5703.21 and to enact sections 126.45 to 126.48 of the Revised Code to create an Office of Internal Auditing within the Office of Budget and Management, to establish the State Audit Committee, and to prescribe their respective and interrelated functions. On 11/15/2007 the bill was Signed by the Governor. Effective Date: 2/14/08. TEXT

HB 165 SALES TAX - To amend sections 5739.03, 5739.031, 5739.033, 5739.035, 5739.123, and 5741.02 and to enact section 5741.09 of the Revised Code to require vendors using origin-based situsing rules to determine the appropriate sales tax jurisdiction in which a sale is taxable to continue to do so, to authorize vendors using destination-based sourcing to convert to origin-based situsing at their convenience, to repeal Ohio's multiple points of use provisions for services and computer-related sales, and to authorize the Tax Commissioner to develop a plan for in-state and out-of-state vendors to elect to collect and remit Ohio use taxes at a uniform rate. TEXT Reported out of the House Ways and Means Committee on June 13, 2007 .

HB 162 TAX CREDIT/TEACHERS/SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGY & BIG 8 DISTRICTS - To amend sections 5747.08 and 5747.98 and to enact section 5747.71 of the Revised Code to allow a refundable credit against the personal income tax for taxpayers who teach in and reside in a big eight school district and to allow an additional credit for such teachers who teach math, science, or technology. TEXT Pending in the House Finance Committee. First hearing April 29, 2008.

HB 161 RESIDENTIAL RENTAL AGREEMENTS/TERMINATION WITHOUT PENALTY - To enact section 5321.171 of the Revised Code to permit a tenant to terminate a residential rental agreement without penalty if the tenant or the tenant's spouse is 62 years of age or older and, for medical reasons, enters a nursing home or other specified care facility. TEXT Pending in the House Commerce and Labor Committee. First hearing May 15, 2007. Second hearing June 19, 2007 .

* HB 160 OHIO TRUST CODE - To amend sections 319.20, 1705.02, 5713.08, 5715.27, and 5815.36 and to enact section 5701.14 of the Revised Code to clarify and modify the law relating to disclaimers under the Ohio Trust Code, to provide that a limited liability company may be a nonprofit entity, and to make changes regarding certain tax exemptions. On 03/21/2008 the bill was Signed by the Governor. Effective date: 6/20/2008. TEXT

HB 159 SUPPORT OUR TROOPS LICENSE PLATES - To amend sections 4501.21 and 4501.27 and to enact section 4503.92 of the Revised Code to create "Support Our Troops" license plates. TEXT Pending in the House Infrastructure and Homeland Security Committee. First hearing May 9, 2007. Second hearing June 20, 2007.

HB 158 TAX CREDIT/ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME DEVICES - To amend sections 5747.08 and 5747.98 and to enact section 5747.72 of the Revised Code to allow a nonrefundable credit against the personal income tax for the installation of energy-efficient devices in homes. TEXT Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Ways and Means Committee. First hearing May 16, 2007.

HB 156 FNANCIAL INSTITUTIONS - To amend section 1321.21 and to enact sections 1315.61 to 1315.72 of the Revised Code to regulate under the Superintendent of Financial Institutions the facilitation of refund anticipation loans and refund anticipation checks, including with respect to registration and surety bond requirements, consumer disclosures, interest rate limitations, prohibited acts, administrative penalties, and civil remedies. Introduced in the House. Pending in the Committee House Financial Institutions, Real Estate and Securities Committee. TEXT

HB 155 STEM/SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGY-ENGINEERING-MATHEMATICS - To direct the General Assembly's deliberations to establish a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics School System. TEXT Fifth hearing May 15, 2007.

HB 154 ABOLISH MAYOR's COURTS - To amend sections 109.42, 109.572, 109.60, 120.03, 120.14, 120.15, 120.16, 120.18, 120.24, 120.25, 120.26, 120.28, 120.33, 120.36, 141.04, 309.08, 341.23, 341.33, 503.44, 503.46, 504.04, 504.05, 504.06, 504.08, 504.15, 705.14, 705.55, 733.40, 733.44, 733.51, 733.52, 743.14, 753.02, 753.021, 753.04, 753.08, 925.31, 955.99, 1901.021, 1901.024, 1901.026, 1901.04, 1901.08, 1901.11, 1901.181, 1901.31, 1905.29, 1907.012, 1907.20, 1923.01, 1923.02, 1923.10, 2152.021, 2152.03, 2152.16, 2152.18, 2152.21, 2152.41, 2325.15, 2335.06, 2335.08, 2335.09, 2743.51, 2743.60, 2743.70, 2901.01, 2903.04, 2903.06, 2903.08, 2903.212, 2903.213, 2903.214, 2907.24, 2907.27, 2907.28, 2907.41, 2913.01, 2915.01, 2917.11, 2917.41, 2919.25, 2919.251, 2919.26, 2919.271, 2921.25, 2921.51, 2921.52, 2929.142, 2929.21, 2930.01, 2931.01, 2933.02, 2933.03, 2933.04, 2933.05, 2933.06, 2933.10, 2935.01, 2935.03, 2935.13, 2935.14, 2935.17, 2935.27, 2935.33, 2935.36, 2937.08, 2937.221, 2937.23, 2937.46, 2937.99, 2938.02, 2938.04, 2941.51, 2945.17, 2947.23, 2949.02, 2950.01, 2951.01, 2951.041, 2953.02, 2953.03, 2953.07, 2953.09, 2953.31, 2953.36, 3113.31, 3301.88, 3313.662, 3319.20, 3319.31, 3327.10, 3345.23, 3375.50, 3375.51, 3397.41, 3397.43, 4112.02, 4113.52, 4301.252, 4501.11, 4503.13, 4503.233, 4503.234, 4506.07, 4506.15, 4506.18, 4507.02, 4507.06, 4507.091, 4507.164, 4509.33, 4509.35, 4510.01, 4510.03, 4510.031, 4510.032, 4510.034, 4510.036, 4510.038, 4510.04, 4510.05, 4510.07, 4510.11, 4510.12, 4510.13, 4510.14, 4510.15, 4510.16, 4510.161, 4510.17, 4510.22, 4510.31, 4510.41, 4510.43, 4510.53, 4510.54, 4511.01, 4511.181, 4511.19, 4511.191, 4511.192, 4511.193, 4511.194, 4511.195, 4511.196, 4511.197, 4511.203, 4511.211, 4511.512, 4511.63, 4511.69, 4511.75, 4511.76, 4511.761, 4511.762, 4511.764, 4511.77, 4511.79, 4511.81, 4513.263, 4513.35, 4513.37, 4521.01, 4549.17, 4730.31, 4731.223, 4760.15, 4762.15, 4999.06, 5104.09, 5123.081, 5126.28, 5309.54, 5321.05, 5502.61, and 5503.04; to amend, for the purpose of adopting a new section number as indicated in parentheses, section 1905.29 (737.34); to enact sections 1905.41, 1905.42, 1905.43, 1905.44, 1905.45, 1905.46, 1905.48, 1905.49, 1905.50, 1905.51, 1905.52, 1905.53, 1905.54, 1905.55, 1905.56, and 1905.57; to repeal sections 1905.01, 1905.02, 1905.03, 1905.031, 1905.032, 1905.033, 1905.04, 1905.05, 1905.08, 1905.17, 1905.20, 1905.201, 1905.21, 1905.22, 1905.23, 1905.24, 1905.25, 1905.26, 1905.28, 1905.30, 1905.31, 1905.32, 1905.34, 1905.35, 1905.36, 1905.37, 2933.07, 2933.08, and 2933.09 of the Revised Code to abolish mayor's courts and to create community courts, to convert three part-time municipal court judgeships into full-time judgeships, and to modify the compensation of municipal court judges in territories having a population of more than 50,000. Reported out of the House Judiciary Committee April 17, 2008. TEXT

HB 140 MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION - To amend sections 4513.01 and 4513.62 and to enact sections 4513.621, 4513.622, and 4513.66 of the Revised Code to provide that the owner of a motor vehicle that is removed from a public road may be prevented from registering any vehicle until the towing and storage fees on the vehicle removed are paid. Introduced in the House. TEXT

*HB 138 JUDICIAL SALES - To amend sections 323.25, 323.28, 323.47, 2303.11, 2323.07, 2327.01, 2327.02, 2329.17, 2329.18, 2329.19, 2329.23, 2329.26, 2329.27, 2329.30, 2329.31, 2329.36, 2703.26, 5309.64, 5721.18, 5721.19, and 5723.01 and to enact sections 2323.06, 2329.191, 2329.271, 2329.272, and 2703.141 of the Revised Code to require purchasers of real property at a judicial sale to provide certain identifying information, to require purchasers to pay the balance due on the purchase price within thirty days of the confirmation of the sale, to allow municipal corporations to conduct inspections of property subject to a writ of execution, to require judicial sales to be confirmed within thirty days of sale, to require officers who sell real property at a judicial sale to file a deed within fourteen days of payment of the balance due on the purchase price, to authorize courts and county boards of revision to transfer certain tax delinquent lands subject to judicial foreclosure without appraisal or sale, to permit a summary property description to be read at a judicial sale, to allow the courts to perform mediation in an action for the foreclosure of a mortgage, and to offer property that did not sell at a judicial sale to a political subdivision before forfeiture to the state. Signed by the Governor on June 11, 2008 - Effective in 90 days. TEXT

*HB 134 CORPORATIONS/ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - To amend sections 1701.55, 1701.782, 1701.792, 1705.21, and 1775.14 of the Revised Code to modify corporation law relating to the election of directors and to conform conversion provisions of Chapter 1701. of the Revised Code with parallel provisions in Chapters 1705., 1775., and 1782. of the Revised Code. Signed by the Governor on July 19, 2007 Some sections effective January 1, 2008 and other sections Effective October 18, 2007 (see sections 2-5 for effective date details) TEXT

HB 133 BUSINESS TAX CREDIT/PROVIDE INTERSHIPS - To amend sections 5747.98 and 5751.98 and to enact sections 3333.51, 5747.81, 5747.82, 5751.54, and 5751.55 of the Revised Code to grant tax credits to businesses that provide internships to students attending Ohio's colleges and universities and that hire former interns. TEXT Pending in the House Finance Committee. First hearing October 16, 2007.

HB 132 PROPERTY BURNING - To amend section 2929.01 and to enact section 2909.031 of the Revised Code to create the offense of unlawful property burning. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Criminal Justice Committee. Third hearing May 17, 2007. TEXT

HB 127 MUNICIPAL TAX INFORMATION - To amend section 718.13 of the Revised Code to expressly authorize municipal corporations to disclose to the public aggregated municipal income tax data. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Local and Municipal Government and Urban Revitalization Committee. TEXT

HB 126 STATE CONTRACTING/COMPETITIVE BIDDING - To amend section 9.312 and to enact section 125.112 of the Revised Code to require the Department of Administrative Services to maintain a web site database including apparent low bidders who failed to be awarded a contract because they were found not to be "responsible," and to require public entities to conduct investigations when apparent low bidders are suspected of failing or fail to meet the "responsible" prong of the "responsive and responsible" competitive bidding threshold. Pending in the House State Government and Elections Committee. Second hearing May 24, 2007. TEXT

HB 124 HORSE LICENSE PLATES - To amend section 4501.21 and to enact section 4503.553 of the Revised Code to establish "Ohio's Horse" license plates and to provide that money from the contributions for the license plates be paid to the Ohio Coalition for Animals, Incorporated. Pending in the House Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Committee. First hearing April 18, 2007. TEXT

HB 123 CONSERVANCY DISTRICTS - To amend sections 6101.48 and 6101.53 of the Revised Code to prohibit the levying of an assessment by the board of directors of a conservancy district on land that is owned by a church within the district unless the governing authority of the church requests that the church's land be subject to the assessment Reported out of the House Economic Development and Environment Committee May 16, 2007.

HB 119 State Budget bill - The Full House and Senate accepted the Budget Bill Conference Committee Report. Am.Sub. H.B 119 on June 27, 2007. Governor Strickland signed the Budget Bill on June30, 2007 with the following VETO Message(click here to view). The appropriation sections of the bill became effective immediately while some of the remaining sections have differing effective dates which are listed at the end of the Act. FULL TEXT of Budget Bill As Enrolled Click Here ; Budget In Detail - Funding Spreadsheet Click Here ;Comparison Document TEXT as Reported By Conference Committee).

HB 118 RACETRACKS/WAGERING TAX - To amend sections 3769.03, 3769.08, 3769.083, 3769.085, and 3769.088 and to enact sections 3769.0811, 3769.0812, and 3769.0813 of the Revised Code to authorize wagering at a track on horse races that are telecast via an instant racing system and to levy a tax on amounts wagered in this manner. Text Pending in the House State Government Committee. First hearing May 17, 2007.

HB 117 SCHOOL DISTRICTS/DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION/COLLECTION - To amend sections 5747.021, 5747.03, 5747.112, 5748.03, 5748.06, and 5748.08 and to enact sections 5748.11, 5748.12, 5748.13, 5748.14, 5748.15, and 5748.16 of the Revised Code to authorize school districts to enter into agreements with the Department of Taxation or other entities for the collection and administration of school district income taxes. Text Pending in the House Ways and Means Committee. Third hearing May 9, 2007.

HB 115 CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS/GAMES OF CHANCE - To amend sections 2915.02 and 2915.092 of the Revised Code to allow a charitable organization to conduct games of chance and raffles three times per year at certain food service facilities. Text Pending in the House State Government Committee. First hearing May 17, 2007.

HB 114 PREVAILING WAGE-SCHOOLS - To amend sections 3318.03, 3318.032, 3318.36, 3318.37, and 3318.42 and to enact section 3318.033 of the Revised Code to require the Ohio School Facilities Commission to reduce the state funds for a school district's classroom facilities project by twenty per cent if the district requires contractors to pay the prevailing rate of wages. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Finance and Appropriations Committee. Text

HB 110 HOUSEHOLD SEWAGE - To amend sections 3718.02 to 3718.05 and to enact section 3718.022 of the Revised Code to require the Public Health Council to rescind rules related to sewage treatment systems and reinstate the rules related to those systems that were in effect prior to January 1, 2007, to require the Council subsequently to adopt statutorily required rules related to those systems, to revise the requirements governing sewage treatment systems rules that the Council must adopt, to require the Director of Health to develop rules with the Sewage Treatment System Advisory Committee that establish standards for approving a sewage treatment system or components of a system, to revise the membership of the Committee, and to declare an emergency Text Pending in the House Economic Development and Environment Committee. First hearing March 28, 2007.

HB 109 PROOF OF INSURANCE-VEHICLE REGISTRATION/DRIVER'S LICENSE - To amend sections 4503.20 and 4507.212 of the Revised Code to require proof of financial responsibility to be submitted as a condition of registering a motor vehicle and of being issued or renewing a driver's license. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Committee. First hearing April 18, 2007.Text

HB 103 UNPAID WATER CHARGES/LIENS - To amend sections 735.29, 743.04, 5321.03, 6103.02, and 6119.06 of the Revised Code to modify the circumstances under which a lien may be created to collect unpaid water rates and charges owed local authorities and to specify certain requirements prior to creation of the lien. Pending in the House Local & Municipal Government Committee. A Substitute bill was accepted during a sixth hearing held on January 10, 2008.

HB 101 INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION BUDGET - To make appropriations for the Industrial Commission for the biennium beginning July 1, 2007, and ending June 30, 2009, and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of Commission programs. Pending in the House Insurance Committee. Fourth hearing March 27, 2007.

HB 100 BWC - To amend sections 102.02, 102.06, 109.981, 119.01, 131.02, 1707.01, 3345.12, 3923.41, 3923.44, 3923.47, 4121.01, 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.122, 4121.123, 4121.125, 4121.126, 4121.128, 4121.37, 4121.441, 4121.48, 4121.61, 4121.67, 4121.70, 4123.25, 4123.29, 4123.291, 4123.311, 4123.32, 4123.34, 4123.341, 4123.342, 4123.35, 4123.351, 4123.37, 4123.411, 4123.44, 4123.441, 4123.47, 4123.50, 4123.511, 4123.512, 4123.66, 4123.80, 4123.82, 4123.92, 4125.05, 4127.07, 4127.08, 4131.04, 4131.06, 4131.13, 4131.14, 4131.16, 4167.02, 4167.07, 4167.08, 4167.09, 4167.11, and 4167.14; to enact sections 121.52, 3923.43, 3923.441, 3923.442, 3923.443, 3923.444, 4121.129, 4121.75 to 4121.79, 4123.321, and 4123.442; to repeal section 4121.06 of the Revised Code; to amend Section 4 of Am. Sub. H.B. 516 of the 125th General Assembly, as subsequently amended; and to amend Section 3 of Am. H.B. 67 of the 126th General Assembly, as subsequently amended, to abolish the Workers' Compensation Oversight Commission, the Internal Security Committee, and the Services Committee of the Workers' Compensation System; to create the Workers' Compensation Council, Bureau of Workers' Compensation Board of Directors, and specified working committees, to transfer the powers and duties of the Oversight Commission to the Board and the working committees, to make other changes in the Workers' Compensation Law, to make appropriations for the Bureau of Workers' Compensation and the Industrial Commission for the biennium beginning July 1, 2007, and ending June 30, 2009, and to provide authorization and conditions for the operation of the Bureau's and the Commission's programs. TEXT Signed by the Governor June 11, 2007. Effective in 90 days - appropriations effective July 1, 2007

HB 95 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS - To amend section 4141.312 of the Revised Code to specify conditions under which a claimant's unemployment compensation benefits are not reduced by the amount the claimant concurrently receives in social security retirement benefits. Pending in the House Commerce and Labor Committee. Text

HB 94 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS COURSE WORK - To enact section 3345.46 of the Revised Code to require state universities to guarantee that a full-time undergraduate student with a declared major field of study can complete the coursework for that program of study in a specified time period. Text Pending in the House Education Committee. First hearing hearing May 15, 2007.

HB 92 REAL PROPERTY/VEHICLES-ILLEGAL DRUGS - To enact sections 319.64, 3745.25, and 5502.10 of the Revised Code to require law enforcement agencies to report to the Director of Public Safety the location of any real property on which and the vehicle identification number of any motor vehicle in which an illegal methamphetamine manufacturing laboratory has been discovered, to require the Director of Public Safety to maintain on the Department of Public Safety web site a database of properties on which and motor vehicles in which illegal methamphetamine manufacturing laboratories have been discovered, to authorize a county recorder to record an instrument identifying any property that has been included in that database, and to provide a means by which an owner of property or a motor vehicle included in that database may receive certification from the Director of Environmental Protection that the property or motor vehicle has been cleared of methamphetamine residue and have the property or motor vehicle removed from the database . Introduced in the House. Pending in the Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Committee. First hearing March 21, 2007. Text

HB 91 VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEES/VETERANS - To amend section 4503.18 of the Revised Code to allow United States veterans service organizations to register vehicles used solely for participation in organizational activities, exhibitions, and parades without the payment of any registration fee or service fee. Introduced in the House. Pending in the Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Committee. First hearing March 21, 2007. Text

HB 84 TELECOMMUNICATION TOWERS - To amend sections 303.211 and 519.211 of the Revised Code to expand township and county zoning authority to telecommunications towers located on land used for agricultural purposes and to modify notice requirements for a proposed tower. Pending in the House Local & Municipal Government Committee. A substitute bill was accepted during a sixth hearing held February 7, 2008.

HB 80 MOTOR FUEL TESTING - To amend section 1327.99 and to enact sections 319.56 and 1327.70 of the Revised Code to require the Department of Agriculture to establish a motor fuel quality testing program under which county auditors may conduct such testing. Pending in the House Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Committee. First hearing March 14, 2007.

HB 79 WORKERS' COMPENSATION - To amend sections 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.126, 4123.44, and 4123.441, to amend, for the purpose of adopting a new section number as indicated in parentheses, section 4123.443 (4123.445), to enact new sections 4123.443 and 4123.444 and section 4123.442, and to repeal sections 109.579, 4123.444, and 4123.445 of the Revised Code to specify the classes of investments in which the Administrator of Workers' Compensation may invest the funds specified in the Workers' Compensation Law and to prohibit the Administrator from contracting with outside investment managers for the investment of those funds. Passed out of the House December 4, 2007. Introduced in the Senate. Pending in the Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee.

HB 77 MERCURY/ELECTRIC GENERATING FACILITIES - To amend section 3704.05 and to enact sections 3704.30 to 3704.36 of the Revised Code to require electric generating facilities to comply with certain requirements regarding mercury emissions. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Public Utilities Committee. First hearing June 20, 2007.

HB 76 RENEWABLE ENERGY - To enact section 4905.88 of the Revised Code to establish an annual renewable energy requirement for electric utilities and electric services companies that provide retail electric generation service in Ohio and to authorize the Public Utilities Commission to establish a system of renewable energy credits. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Public Utilities Committee. First hearing June 20, 2007.

HB 72 TELECOMMUNICATIONS TASK FORCE - To create the Ohio Broadband and Wireless Telecommunications Task Force. Pending in the House Public Utilities Committee. A substitute bill was accepted during a first hearing held on May 23, 2007.

*HB71 DOG FIGHTING - To amend sections 955.28 and 959.16, to enact new section 959.132 and section 959.161, and to repeal section 959.132 of the Revised Code to provide for the seizure, impoundment, and disposition of dogs involved in dogfighting; to revise requirements and procedures governing the seizure, impoundment, and disposition of companion animals that are the subject of abuse or neglect; and to allow a law enforcement officer to kill a dog that attacks a police dog. Introduced in the House. Pending in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Passed out of the House October 10, 2007. Introduced in the Senate .Reported out of the Senate Agriculture Committee May 28, 2008. Passed the Senate My 29, 2008. Concurred by the House June 10, 2008. Awaiting Governor's action. TEXT

HB 70 ADOPTION TAX CREDIT - To amend section 5747.37 of the Revised Code to increase the income tax adoption credit from $500 per child to $1,500. Pending in the House Ways and Means Committee. Second hearing March 28, 2007.

HB 69 DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS - To enact sections 303.024, 307.071, 505.708, 519.023, 713.16, and 713.17 of the Revised Code to permit townships, counties, and combinations of certain political subdivisions to establish transfer of development rights programs. Pending in the House Local & Municipal Government Committee. Fourth hearing April 26, 2007.

*HB 67 TRANSPORTATION BUDGET - To amend sections 3705.242, 4511.101, 5501.10, 5502.03, 5502.62, 5516.01, 5516.02, 5516.06, and 5735.05 and to enact sections 5502.67 and 5531.11 of the Revised Code to make appropriations for, and to prescribe terms and conditions pertaining to, transportation purposes. On 04/03/2007 the bill was Signed by the Governor. Effective April 3, 2008 with some other sections having different effective dates.

HB 62 WATER AND SEWER DISTRICTS - To amend sections 6103.01, 6103.02, 6117.01, 6117.02, and 6119.011 and to enact section 6119.091 of the Revised Code to authorize a board of county commissioners or a board of trustees of a regional water and sewer district to offer discounts on water and sewer rates to persons sixty-five years of age or older. Pending in the House Local & Municipal Government Committee. Third hearing March 29, 2007. Fourth hearing April 26, 2007.

HB 61 CHILDREN OF ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY/CUSTODY DETERMINATIOINS - To amend sections 3109.04 and 3109.041 of the Revised Code to prohibit a juvenile court from making custody determinations or modifications in a case in which one of the parents is called to active military service with any reserve component of the United States armed forces or Ohio militia. Pending in the House Juvenile and Family Law Committee. Second hearing April 17, 2007.

HB 60 TAXATION/HOMESTEADS/ARMED FORCES - To amend section 2101.16 and to enact sections 305.51 and 2101.164 of the Revised Code to authorize boards of county commissioners to exempt from taxation the homesteads of qualifying members of the National Guard and reserve components of the Armed Forces who have been deployed outside the state, and to exempt estates of members of the United States Armed Services who died while serving in a combat zone from various probate filing fees. Pending in the House Local & Municipal Government Committee. Third hearing March 29, 2007. Fourth hearing April 26, 2007.

HB 59 TAXES DEFERRED/INDIVIDUALS 65 OR OLDER - To amend sections 319.202, 319.302, 323.01, and 323.99 and to enact sections 323.16, 323.161, 323.162, 323.163, 323.164, and 323.165 of the Revised Code to defer increases in taxes on residences owned and occupied by individuals age 65 or older. Pending in the House Finance and Appropriations Committee. First hearing May 6, 2008.

HB 54 BLENDED BIODIESEL & E85 FUEL - To amend section 122.075 and to enact section 5537.29 of the Revised Code to require that blended biodiesel and E85 blend fuel be available at all service stations located on the Ohio Turnpike not later than January 1, 2010, and to permit the Ohio Turnpike Commission to apply for grants made by the Department of Development under the Alternative Fuel Transportation Grant Program. Pending in the Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Committee. First hearing March 14, 2007.

HB 52 RAW MILK LAWS - To amend sections 917.01, 917.02, 917.03, 917.032, 917.04, and 917.05 and to enact section 917.25 of the Revised Code to revise the statutes governing raw milk. Pending in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. First hearing April 17, 2007.

HB 51 TICKETS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES - To amend sections 2743.02 and 2744.01 and to enact section 4510.121 of the Revised Code to permit a person who is issued a ticket for operating a motor vehicle other than a commercial motor vehicle with an expired driver's or commercial driver's license to be issued a seven-day field driving permit. Pending in the House Infrastructure, Homeland Security Committee. First hearing March 7, 2007. Second hearing May 16, 2007.

*HB 50 TOWNSHIPS - JUNK VEHICLE REMOVALS - To amend sections 505.85 and 505.87 and to enact section 505.871 of the Revised Code to allow townships to remove junk motor vehicles from public and private property and to borrow money to pay for that removal of junk motor vehicles and for other debris from private property. On 12/04/2007 the bill was Signed by the Governor. Effective date: March 6, 2008. TEXT

HB 49 CHARITABLE BINGO - To amend sections 109.32, 2915.01, 2915.02, 2915.07, 2915.081, 2915.09, and 2915.091 and to enact section 2915.083 of the Revised Code to allow a charitable organization to obtain a short-term license to conduct bingo, instant bingo at a bingo session, or instant bingo other than at a bingo session. Pending in the House State Government Committee. Third hearing March 27, 2007.

*HB 48 TAX EXEMPTIONS/AUCTIONS FOR NON-PROFITS, SCHOOLS - To amend sections 307.12, 505.10, 4707.02, 4707.20, 4707.21, and 4707.26 of the Revised Code to exempt certain tax exempt organizations and schools that sell donated items at auction from license and contract requirements for the auction, to require those organizations and schools to maintain auction records for two years, to preclude claims against the Auction Recovery Fund for any loss associated with those types of auctions, and to reduce from fifteen to ten days the minimum bidding period for internet auctions of certain township or county personal property.Signed by the Governor on June 12, 2008 - Effective in 90 days.TEXT

HB 47 CONSERVANCY DISTRICT LAW CHANGES, BOARDS, FUNDING ETC... - To amend sections 6101.10, 6101.48, 6101.53, 6101.67, nd 6101.70 and to enact section 6101.101 of the Revised Code to revise the membership of the board of directors of a conservancy district that includes all or parts of more than sixteen counties, to require the board of directors of such a district rather than the conservancy court to perform certain functions under the Conservancy Districts Law, to prohibit the levying of an assessment by such a conservancy district on real property that is not directly benefited from the assessment, and to make other changes concerning the levying of an assessment by such a conservancy district. Pending in the House Economic Development and Environment Committee. Passed out of the House on September 11, 2007. Introduced in the Senate. Pending in the Senate Environment Committee.

*HB 46 CONSUMER REPORTING LAWS - To amend sections 125.18, 317.082, 319.28, 319.54, 2305.09, and 2901.13 and to enact sections 109.941, 111.241, 149.434, 149.45, 1349.52, and 1349.53 of the Revised Code to allow a consumer to place a security freeze on the consumer's credit report, to require a public office to redact from a document that is otherwise a public record certain information, to require a public office to redact Social Security numbers or federal tax identification numbers from any document that is made available online to the public through the internet, to require the Office of Criminal Justice Services to make state funding grants available to local law enforcement agencies for enforcement of identity fraud laws, to require the attorney general to support local law enforcement agencies with the enforcement of identity fraud laws, to enact a special statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions and civil actions against identity fraud, to allow a safety worker to request the county auditor to remove the safety worker's name from the general tax list of real and public utility property and the general duplicate of real and pubic utility property and insert the safety worker's initials, and to prohibit a county auditor from charging a real property conveyance fee to a safety worker who changes the current owner name on the general tax list of real and public utility property and the general duplicate of real and public utility property to the safety worker's initials. Signed by the Governor May 6, 2008. Effective August 5, 2008 with some section effective September 1, 2008. TEXT

HB 45 EXOTIC ANIMALS - To enact sections 1534.01 to 1534.14 and 1534.99 of the Revised Code to require persons who possess dangerous wild animals or exotic animals to obtain a personal possession permit and to establish requirements regarding the possession and care of dangerous wild animals and exotic animals.

HB 41 SECURITY SYSTEM COMPANIES - To amend section 4745.01 and to enact sections 4770.01 to 4770.14 and 4770.99 of the Revised Code to require the licensure of persons operating security or life-safety systems companies or companies providing locksmith services and of individuals performing specified types of security or life-safety systems work or locksmith services and to establish the Security or Life-Safety Systems Advisory Board in the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Passed out of the House October 11, 2007. Introduced in the Senate. Pending in the Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee. Second hearing April 30, 2008 . TEXT

HB 40 SUSTAINABLE ENERGY - To enact section 4905.89 of the Revised Code to create the Council on Sustainable Energy Development and specify its duties. Pending in the House Alternative Energy Committee.

HB 38 ANTIFREEZE - To amend section 901.99 and to enact section 901.90 of the Revised Code to require the inclusion of a bittering agent in engine coolant and antifreeze. Pending in the House Economic Development and Environment Committee. First hearing March 7, 2007.

HB 36 SCHOOLS FACILITIES COMMISSION CHANGES - To amend section 3318.023 and to enact section 3318.39 of the Revised Code to create the Rapid Enrollment Growth School Facilities Assistance Program. Pending in the House Finance Committee. First hearing Tuesday, May 22, 2007.

HB 35 FOREIGN TAX CHANGES 5% TO 1% - To amend sections 3901.17 and 3905.36 of the Revised Code to decrease from 5% to 1.4% the foreign insurers tax rate. Pending in the House Ways and Means Committee. Third hearing March 28, 2007.

HB 34 THIRD FRONTIER/STUDENT LOANS - To amend sections 184.02 and 3345.32 and to enact sections 184.30, 184.31, 184.32, 184.33,184.34, and 184.35 of the Revised Code to establish the Third Frontier Pilot Forgivable Loan Program for graduate students. Pending in the House Finance Committee. First hearing Tuesday, May 22, 2007.

HB 33 RAILROAD CROSSING, RAILROAD SECURITY, SCENIC RAILROADS ETC... - To amend section 4907.99, to enact new sections 4907.44, 4907.45, 4955.20, and 4955.36, and to repeal sections 4907.44, 4907.45, 4907.46, 4955.20, 4955.21, 4955.22, and 4955.36 of the Revised Code to revise state and local authority regarding the safety of railroad crossings and railroad tracks, bridges, and other structures and additionally to extend such state authority to scenic railways. Pending in the House Infrastructure Committee.

*HB 30 TRAFFIC LAWS/ELECTRONIC DEVICES - To amend section 4511.81 and to enact section 4511.094 of the Revised Code, and to amend Sections 555.07 and 555.19 of Am. Sub. H.B. 67 of the 127th General Assembly, and to amend Section 555.08 of Am. Sub. H.B. 67 of the 127th General Assembly, as subsequently amended, to require any local authority that enforces any traffic law by means of traffic law photo-monitoring devices to erect signs on every highway that is not a freeway that is part of the state highway system and that enters that local authority, informing inbound traffic that the local authority utilizes traffic law photo-monitoring devices to enforce traffic laws, to eliminate the requirement for operators of vehicles not equipped with seat belts to nonetheless use a child restraint system when transporting any kindergarten child who is required to be transported in a child restraint system, to govern the movement of steel coils by special permit, to require the Department of Transportation to conduct a study of the impact of overweight vehicles operating under a permit, and to modify the constraints imposed on the Department of Transportation regarding undertaking certain major new construction projects. Signed by the Governor on June 12, 2008 - Effective in 90 days. TEXT

HB 29 MOTOR FUEL TAX EXEMPTION-SCHOOLS - To amend sections 5735.05, 5735.06, and 5735.142 of the Revised Code to exempt from the motor fuel tax any sales of motor fuel sold to school districts or educational service centers for school district or service center operations. Pending in the House Finance Committee. First hearing April 29, 2008.

HB 28 BOBBY RAHAL HIGHWAY - To enact section 5533.76 of the Revised Code to designate a portion of Interstate Route 270 within Franklin County the "Bobby Rahal Expressway." Pending in the House Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs Committee. Second hearing April 9, 2008. TEXT

HB 26 URBAN HOMESTEAD ZONES - To enact sections 730.01 to 730.12, 3310.70 to 3310.79, and 5709.45 of the Revised Code to permit the creation of urban homestead zones in cities to encourage the repopulation of certain city cores, to create a state urban homestead scholarship program, and to require tax increment financing in urban homestead zones that participate in the scholarship program to help fund the program. Pending in the House State Government Committee. Fourth hearing April 10, 2008. A substitute bill was accepted during a fifth hearing held April 17, 2008. TEXT

*HB 24 MUNI TAX/HEALTH CARE DEDUCTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS - To amend sections 718.01, 718.02, and 4763.16 of the Revised Code to authorize municipalities to allow self-employed taxpayers to take a municipal income tax deduction for amounts paid for medical care insurance, to authorize municipalities to allow individuals to deduct amounts paid into health savings accounts, to limit the entities that may apply for Real Estate Appraiser Recovery Fund payments, to allow certain property owners whose property is located in certain conservancy districts to have the Supreme Court review denials of their exceptions to an assessment, to establish a moratorium on the levying and collection of assessments by certain conservancy districts, to provide for the extension of the enhanced motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program, and to declare an emergency. On 12/21/2007 HB 24 was Signed by the Governor. Effective Date 12/21/07. TEXT

HB 23 SECURITY GUARD LAWS - Pending in the House Criminal Justice Committee. First hearing March 8, 2007.

HB 21 SERVICE VEHICLES - To amend section 4511.213 of the Revised Code to require a driver to pull over or slow down upon approaching a stationary road service vehicle that is displaying flashing, oscillating, or rotating amber lights while servicing a disabled vehicle. Pending in the House Infrastructure, Homeland Security Committee. Fourth hearing April 16, 2008.

HB 20 MORTGAGE BROKER LICENSE CHANGES - To amend sections 1322.04 and 1322.041 of the Revised Code to require the Superintendent of Financial Institutions to prorate the renewal fee for a new certificate of registration or license for a mortgage broker or loan officer. Pending in the House Financial Institutions Committee. Second hearing March 22, 2007.

HB 18 T-1 PERMITS FOR COLLEGES/TEAMS FOR CERTAIN ALCOHOL - To amend se