Warren County Municipal League

05/30/2026

Darlene Hicks
Legislative Bulletin
The Ohio Municipal League
Legislative Bulletin
May 29, 2026
UPDATE AT A GLANCE
Here are recent items of note:

OML emailed additional information to our members about the implementation of Ohio’s new economic development confidentiality law enacted through House Bill 184. We are also partnering with the the Ohio Economic Development Association and County Commissioners Association of Ohio to host a June 9 webinar on the topic, which will be presented by Bricker Graydon Wyatt. More information is available here.

The first hearing of the House and Senate Select Committees on Data Centers took place this week, with testimony from the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, PJM Interconnection, PUCO, and the Data Center Coalition. Co-chair Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) said local government officials will have the opportunity to testify on June 8 at noon. More information is in the article below.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill authorizes programs and policy measures related to agriculture, nutrition, rural development and other matters. The National League of Cities provided a look at key provisions in the House-passed bill of interest to local leaders that can be viewed here.

Gov. DeWine announced that the Ohio Tax Credit Authority will pause consideration of new data center sales tax exemption requests while the data center committee continues its review. The exemption was previously vetoed as part of the state operating budget bill, but the veto has not been over-ridden by the Legislature. Recent reports estimate the exemption resulted in approximately $1.6 billion in foregone state revenue in 2025.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety announced $648 million available through FEMA to support firefighters and EMS personnel with the: Assistance to Firefighters Grants program for PPE, emergency vehicles, and responder wellness initiatives; the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program for firefighter salaries, recruitment, and retention; and the Fire Prevention and Safety program for research and prevention safety initiatives. The application period closes June 22, and more information is available here.

The Ohio Department of Development announced $26.9 million through the Welcome Home Ohio program to expand access to safe, affordable housing in 57 counties. The full list of of Round 5 awards can be viewed here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program announced $17 million available through the Community Connect Grant Program to help expand broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities where service does not currently exist. Funding may be used for broadband deployment infrastructure, free broadband service to critical community facilities for up to two years, and the development or expansion of community centers offering public internet access. The application period closes June 29, and more information is available here.

The Ohio EPA announced that its Water Supply Revolving Loan Account has received approximately $201.8 million from the U.S. EPA to help communities identify, remove and replace lead service lines. More information about the Ohio EPA’s “Get the Lead Out” program and available resources can be viewed here.

Registration is open for OML's annual Municipal Income Tax Seminar, which will take place July 8-10 at The Ohioan Hotel and Event Center. The conference is geared toward tax administrators and will cover nuts and bolts for tax administrators, changes to law, reviewing returns, technology, ethics, and more. Additional information is available here.

JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITEE BEGINS HEARINGS ON IMPACT OF DATA CENTERS

Legislators this week convened the first meetings of the House and Senate Select Committee on Data Centers, hearing testimony from utility regulators, consumer advocates, grid operators, and industry representatives regarding the rapid growth of data center development across the state.

Committee co-chairs Sen. Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) and Rep. Adam Holmes (R-Nashport) said the hearings are intended to provide local officials, residents, and policymakers with information on both the economic opportunities and infrastructure challenges associated with the industry.

Watch this week's hearing here.

Industry representatives emphasized the economic benefits of continued investment. Dan Diorio, vice president of state policy for the Data Center Coalition, testified that Ohio data centers supported more than 100,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs in 2024 and contributed approximately $14.1 billion to Ohio’s gross domestic product, along with roughly $1.1 billion in state and local tax revenues.

Diorio described data centers as critical infrastructure supporting cloud computing, artificial intelligence, telehealth, e-commerce, online learning, and other digital services increasingly relied upon by businesses and residents.

Asim Haque, executive vice president of governmental and member services for PJM Interconnection and former PUCO chairman, discussed efforts underway to manage growing electric demand and maintain grid reliability. Haque noted that PJM’s generation queue has shifted significantly toward natural gas generation projects as operators respond to expected demand growth tied to artificial intelligence and data center expansion.

PUCO Chairwoman Jennifer French testified that the pace of electric demand growth tied to data centers is unlike anything previously experienced in the PJM region. French said regulators must balance continued economic development with protections for existing ratepayers.

Also among the witnesses was Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Maureen Willis, who urged lawmakers to ensure residential customers and small businesses are protected from bearing costs associated with the significant electric demand created by large-scale data centers.

“The question before this committee is not whether Ohio should welcome data centers. Ohio should,” Willis said. “The question is, how can Ohio support economic growth while protecting Ohio households from unfair costs and reliability risks associated with extraordinary new electric demand?”

Willis also called for greater transparency surrounding utility and development agreements and warned that data center-related load growth could significantly affect wholesale electric markets and utility affordability.

The committee finished the hearing with updates from the Ohio EPA and Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Local government officials will have the opportunity to testify on June 8 at noon.

NEWLY INTRODUCED
BILLS OF MUNICIPAL INTEREST

Below is the list of bills that were newly introduced and that are impactful to Ohio municipalities:

HB957 - PROHIBIT NEW DATA CENTER SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS (Rep. Tristan Rader)
To prohibit new data center sales tax exemptions from being granted.
Bill Text

COMMITTEE RECAP
BILLS OF MUNICIPAL INTEREST

Below is the list of bills that received a legislative committee hearing this week and that are impactful to Ohio municipalities:

Bills receiving additional hearings:

HB314 - RESTRICT DISRUPTIVE RECORD REQUESTS (Ray, S; Isaacsohn, D)
To restrict harassing or disruptive public records requests and permit private contractors to respond to voluminous public records requests. Substitute bill accepted at fourth hearing in House Judiciary. The sub bill was described as a working document that allows confidentiality of private people such as emails of families of public schools to be kept from public records, as well as helping smooth over and establish new provisions regarding the amount of time to reasonably fulfill public records requests and giving more recourse in the legal system for those deemed as vexatious records requesters.
Substitute Bill | Bill Analysis (as Introduced)

HJR9 - CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE-VOTER ID REQUIREMENT (Workman, H; Bird, A)
Proposing to enact Section 5 of Article V of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to require identification to vote. Second hearing in House General Government.
Resolution Analysis

SB318 - NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS-RESOURCE OFFICERS (Cutrona, A)
To authorize a law enforcement agency to provide school resource officer services to a chartered nonpublic school. Second hearing in House Education.
Bill Analysis

COMMITTEE SCHEDULE
Based on Committee Notices that Have Been Distributed Thus Far

Monday, June 1, 2026

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON DATA CENTERS
Mon., Jun. 1, 2026, 12:00 PM, Senate Hearing Room
Rep. Holmes: 614-644-6014

Joint meeting with Senate select committee to hear general public testimony on data center issues.

SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON DATA CENTERS
Mon., Jun. 1, 2026, 12:00 PM, Senate Finance Hearing Room

Sen. Chavez: 614-466-6508
Joint meeting with House select committee to hear general public testimony on data center issues

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

HOUSE EDUCATION
Tue., Jun. 2, 2026, 11:00 AM, Hearing Room 114
Rep. Fowler: 614-466-1405

SB318 - NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS-RESOURCE OFFICERS (CUTRONA A) To authorize a law enforcement agency to provide school resource officer services to a chartered nonpublic school.
Third Hearing, All Testimony, POSSIBLE VOTE

HOUSE FINANCE
Tue., Jun. 2, 2026, 3:00 PM, Hearing Room 313
Rep. Stewar: 614-466-1463

HBXX – CAPITAL BUDGET
To authorize a law enforcement agency to provide school resource officer services to a chartered nonpublic school.
Third Hearing, All Testimony, POSSIBLE VOTE


Wednesday, June 3, 2026

HOUSE DEVELOPMENT
Wed., Jun. 3, 2026, 9:45 AM, Hearing Room 122
Rep. Hoops: 614-466-3760

HB284 - STATE-FUNDED PROJECTS-AMERICAN IRON, STEEL (HINER M, WHITE E)
To require iron or steel that is produced in the United States be used on projects supported by state funds.
Fifth Hearing, All Testimony, AMENDMENTS/POSSIBLE VOTE

HB857 - RESIDENTIAL REVOLVING LOAN CHANGES (BROWNLEE K, SIGRIST M)
To modify the Residential Development Revolving Loan Program and to name this act the Housing Recovery Act.
First Hearing, Sponsor Testimony

HOUSE HEALTH
Wed., Jun. 3, 2026, 10:00 AM, Hearing Room 121
Rep. Schmidt: 614-466-8134

HB692 - LAW CHANGES-HOME SEWAGE SYSTEMS (PIZZULLI J, JOHN M)
To make changes to the law governing household sewage treatment systems.
Third Hearing, All Testimony, SUBSTITUTE BILL

SENATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Wed., Jun. 3, 2026, 2:30 PM, North Hearing Room
Sen. O'Brien: 614-466-7182
OR AFTER SESSION

SB435 - RELATED TO ABANDONED MANUFACTURED HOMES (REYNOLDS M, LANDIS A) Related to abandoned manufactured homes.
Second Hearing, Proponent Testimony

HB428 - REGARDING RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS-CITY DIRECTOR POSITIONS (THOMAS D, WILLIAMS J)
Regarding residency requirements for the city director of public service and the city director of public safety.
Third Hearing, Opponent/Interested Party Testimony

HOUSE ENERGY
Wed., Jun. 3, 2026, 3:00 PM, Hearing Room 313
Rep. Holmes: 614-644-6014
OR AFTER SESSION

HB706 - DATA CENTER CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS (RADER T, THOMAS D)
To impose certain minimum requirements on data center customers in the state.
Third Hearing, All Testimony

Monday, June 8, 2026

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON DATA CENTERS
Mon., Jun. 8, 2026, 12:00 PM, TBA
Rep. Holmes: 614-644-6014
Joint meeting with Senate select committee for testimony from local governments and communities.

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Mayors Association of Ohio Annual Conference
June 24-25 | Marriott Columbus Northwest (Dublin)
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Municipal Income Tax Seminar
July 8-10 | The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center
OML's annual conference on the municipal income tax will cover nuts and bolts for tax administrators, the legislative landscape, collections, technology, reviewing returns, and more. Register

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05/30/2026

OML update
May 29, 2026
UPDATE AT A GLANCE
Here are recent items of note:

OML emailed additional information to our members about the implementation of Ohio’s new economic development confidentiality law enacted through House Bill 184. We are also partnering with the the Ohio Economic Development Association and County Commissioners Association of Ohio to host a June 9 webinar on the topic, which will be presented by Bricker Graydon Wyatt. More information is available here.

The first hearing of the House and Senate Select Committees on Data Centers took place this week, with testimony from the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, PJM Interconnection, PUCO, and the Data Center Coalition. Co-chair Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) said local government officials will have the opportunity to testify on June 8 at noon. More information is in the article below.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill authorizes programs and policy measures related to agriculture, nutrition, rural development and other matters. The National League of Cities provided a look at key provisions in the House-passed bill of interest to local leaders that can be viewed here.

Gov. DeWine announced that the Ohio Tax Credit Authority will pause consideration of new data center sales tax exemption requests while the data center committee continues its review. The exemption was previously vetoed as part of the state operating budget bill, but the veto has not been over-ridden by the Legislature. Recent reports estimate the exemption resulted in approximately $1.6 billion in foregone state revenue in 2025.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety announced $648 million available through FEMA to support firefighters and EMS personnel with the: Assistance to Firefighters Grants program for PPE, emergency vehicles, and responder wellness initiatives; the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program for firefighter salaries, recruitment, and retention; and the Fire Prevention and Safety program for research and prevention safety initiatives. The application period closes June 22, and more information is available here.

The Ohio Department of Development announced $26.9 million through the Welcome Home Ohio program to expand access to safe, affordable housing in 57 counties. The full list of of Round 5 awards can be viewed here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program announced $17 million available through the Community Connect Grant Program to help expand broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities where service does not currently exist. Funding may be used for broadband deployment infrastructure, free broadband service to critical community facilities for up to two years, and the development or expansion of community centers offering public internet access. The application period closes June 29, and more information is available here.

The Ohio EPA announced that its Water Supply Revolving Loan Account has received approximately $201.8 million from the U.S. EPA to help communities identify, remove and replace lead service lines. More information about the Ohio EPA’s “Get the Lead Out” program and available resources can be viewed here.

Registration is open for OML's annual Municipal Income Tax Seminar, which will take place July 8-10 at The Ohioan Hotel and Event Center. The conference is geared toward tax administrators and will cover nuts and bolts for tax administrators, changes to law, reviewing returns, technology, ethics, and more. Additional information is available here.

Sincerely,

Stiney Vonderhaar, Executive Director
513-617-4996



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05/26/2026

Legislative Bulletin

May 22, 2026
UPDATE AT A GLANCE
Here are recent items of note:

Lawmakers introduced companion resolutions in the Ohio House and Senate that would place a voter photo ID requirement into the Ohio Constitution. The proposal would require voters to provide a valid government-issued photo ID when voting in person, while still allowing provisional ballots if identification is later provided to the board of elections. Hearings on the resolutions began this week. If approved by the Legislature, the issue would be placed before voters.

The House passed House Bill 413, legislation sponsored by Rep. Tom Young (Washington Twp., Montgomery County) and Rep. Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) that would require local governments to submit their expenditures to a public database operated by the Ohio Treasurer’s Office similar to the Ohio Checkbook. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Bill Analysis

The House Ways Means Committee held a hearing with opponent testimony on House Bill 420, legislation sponsored by Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Rep. Bernie Willis (R-Springfield) that would prohibit new continuing property tax levies and phase out existing continuing levies unless reauthorized by voters. OML's testimony expressed concerns that the bill would create financial uncertainty for municipalities and undermine stable funding for essential services. The testimony can be viewed here.

Registration is now open for OML's annual Municipal Income Tax Seminar, which will take place July 8-10 at The Ohioan Hotel and Event Center. The conference is geared toward tax administrators and will cover nuts and bolts for tax administrators, changes to law, reviewing returns, technology, ethics, and more. Additional information is available here.

The Ohio LTAP Center is seeking feedback on its “Build a Better Mousetrap” innovation recognition program, which highlights creative and cost-effective solutions developed by local transportation agencies across Ohio. Municipal officials are encouraged to complete a brief survey to help shape the future of the program, which can be found here.

The U.S. Treasury has released an updated list of Ohio's noncompliant ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) recipients as of May 19, which can be downloaded here. Municipalities that have not submitted their required 2026 report remain out of compliance, regardless of whether funds have been fully expended, unless they have completed Treasury’s closeout process. Treasury will host Live Office Hours for noncompliant municipalities on May 28 at 2 p.m. ET here, and additional assistance is also available through the National League of Cities here.

The National League of Cities has received the U.S. House's draft bill – the BUILD America 250 Act. NLC characterized the bill as a strong start on a bipartisan basis. Local governments have retained access to federal funding with Surface Transportation Block growth, locals will have 25% access to a historic increase to the bridge program, and Safe Streets is continued and given funding certainty. Several discretionary grants like Rail Crossing Elimination and PROTECT grants also survived, and there are new programs like Surface Transportation Accelerator Grant (STAG) program with urban and rural set asides.

The National League of Cities, in its newly released Municipal Infrastructure Conditions report, provides an overview of how local leaders are prioritizing core infrastructure assets with limited resources. More information is available here.

NEWLY INTRODUCED
BILLS OF MUNICIPAL INTEREST

Below is the list of bills that were newly introduced and that are impactful to Ohio municipalities:

HB919 - RESIDENTIAL UTILITY TERMINATION LIMITS (Rep. Rachel Baker)
Regarding limitations to terminating utility service for residential customers.
Bill Text

HB938 - GOVERNMENT SIGNAGE PROHIBITION-OFFICIALS (Rep. Mark Hiner, Rep. Tex Fischer)
To enact the No Free Advertising for Politicians Act to prohibit certain government signs from including a public official's personal name or likeness.
Bill Text

HB941 - ELIMINATE VACANT CIVIL SERVICE POSITIONS (Rep. Tex Fischer, Rep. Meredith Craig)
Regarding the elimination of vacant state civil service positions.
Bill Text

HB948 - REGARDING E-BIKE OPERATION, SAFETY (Rep. Andrea White, Rep. Kevin Miller)
Regarding electric bicycle operation, education, and traffic safety.
Bill Text

HJR9 - CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE-VOTER ID REQUIREMENT (Rep. Heidi Workman, Rep. Adam Bird)
Proposing to enact Section 5 of Article V of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to require identification to vote.
Resolution Analysis

SJR10 - CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE-VOTER ID REQUIREMENT (Sen. Jane Timken, Sen. Theresa Gavarone)
Proposing to enact Section 5 of Article V of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to require identification to vote.
Resolution Analysis

COMMITTEE RECAP
BILLS OF MUNICIPAL INTEREST

Below is the list of bills that received a legislative committee hearing this week and that are impactful to Ohio municipalities:

Bills receiving a first hearing:

HB642 - MUNICIPAL INCOME TAX LIMIT REMOVAL (Demetriou, S)
To remove a five-year limit on municipal income tax net operating loss carry-forwards. Amended in first hearing of House Ways and Means. The amendment aligns with the federal approach of capping losses at 80% instead of 100%.
Amendment | Bill Analysis (as Introduced)

HB710 - PUBLIC SUPPORT PROHIBITION-DATA CENTERS (Demetriou, S; Workman, H)
To prohibit public support for, and limit the construction of, new data centers. First hearing in House General Government.
Bill Analysis

HB849 - REGARDING ELECTRONIC V***R PRODUCT ENFORCEMENT (Plummer, P; Salvo, J)
Regarding the regulation, registration, licensure, inspection, and enforcement of electronic smoking, to***co, ni****ne, and v***r products retailers. First hearing in House Public Safety.
Bill Analysis

HB852 - POLICE CHIEFS-TRAINING REQUIREMENT (Miller, K)
To require an individual appointed as a chief of police to complete a peace officer basic training program. First hearing in House Public Safety.
Bill Analysis

HJR9 - CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE-VOTER ID REQUIREMENT (Workman, H; Bird, A)
Proposing to enact Section 5 of Article V of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to require identification to vote. First hearing in House General Government.
Resolution Analysis

SB382 - IMPLEMENT TOP-TWO PRIMARY ELECTION SYSTEM (Blessing III, L)
To implement a top-two primary election system for Congress and for certain state offices. Substitute bill accepted in first hearing of Senate General Government.
Substitute Bill | Bill Analysis (as Introduced)

SB435 - RELATED TO ABANDONED MANUFACTURED HOMES (Reynolds, M; Landis, A)
Related to abandoned manufactured homes. First hearing in Senate Local Government.
Bill Analysis

SJR10 - CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE-VOTER ID REQUIREMENT (Timken, J; Gavarone, T)
Proposing to enact Section 5 of Article V of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to require identification to vote. First hearing in Senate General Government.
Resolution Analysis

Bills receiving additional hearings:

HB86 - LAW CHANGES-TAX FORECLOSURE, LAND REUTILIZATION (Demetriou, S)
To make changes to the law relating to tax foreclosures and county land reutilization corporations, and to name this act the Gus Frangos Act. Amended in second hearing of Senate Judiciary.
Amendment | Bill Analysis (as Passed by House)

HB223 - US, OHIO FLAG PURCHASE REQUIREMENTS (Mathews, T; Willis, 😎
To prohibit the state or a political subdivision from purchasing a United States or Ohio flag that was not made in the United States. Amended in fifth hearing of House Government Oversight. The amendment prohibits state agencies and political subdivisions from purchasing United States or Ohio flags that are not made in Ohio, rather than just United States.
Bill Analysis (as Introduced)

HB317 - UAS PURCHASE LIMITS-FOREIGN ENTITIES (Mathews, T)
To prohibit the purchase of small unmanned aircraft systems manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity. Amended in third hearing of House Technology and Innovation. The amendment exempts public entities from the bill’s prohibition if they received written approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Bill Analysis (as Introduced)

HB413 - CREATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE DATABASE (Young, T; Peterson, 😎
To create the Ohio Local Government Expenditure Database and require political subdivision participation, to require the state retirement systems to participate in the Ohio State Government Expenditure Database, and to make an appropriation. Reported out in second hearing of House Finance and subsequently passed by the House.
Bill Analysis

HB420 - ELIMINATE PROPERTY TAXES BY 2030 (Click, G)
To disallow and, by 2030, eliminate property taxes levied for a continuing period of time and to name this act The Taxpayers Freedom Trilogy – Act One: Discontinuing the Continuum. Third hearing in House Ways and Means.
Bill Analysis

HB428 - REGARDING RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS-CITY DIRECTOR POSITIONS (Thomas, D; Williams, J)
Regarding residency requirements for the city director of public service and the city director of public safety. Second hearing in Senate Local Government.
Bill Analysis

HB504 - COUNTY AUTHORIZATION-REAPPRAISAL EXEMPTION (King, A)
To authorize counties to temporarily exempt a portion of property's increased value from taxation following a reappraisal and to name this act the Calculated Adjustments for Property Surges (CAPS) Act. Fifth hearing in House Ways and Means.
Bill Analysis

HB554 - ACCEPT CASH PAYMENTS REQUIREMENT (Thomas, D)
To require governmental entities and private sellers to accept cash as payment in certain circumstances. Second hearing in House General Government.
Bill Analysis

HB630 - POLICE ESCORTS-FARM EQUIPMENT (Dean, L)
Regarding police escorts for farm equipment and vehicles that haul agricultural equipment and produce. Second hearing in House Public Safety.
Bill Analysis

HB695 - NDA PROHIBITION-LOCAL OFFICIALS (Bird, A; Stewart, 😎
To prohibit certain local elected officials from entering into nondisclosure agreements. Second hearing in House Local Government.
Bill Analysis

HB706 - DATA CENTER CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS (Thomas, D; Rader, T)
To impose certain minimum requirements on data center customers in the state. Substitute bill accepted in second hearing of House Energy.
Substitute Bill | Bill Analysis (as Introduced)

HB712 - LAW CHANGES-ACCESSIBLE PARKING (Craig, M)
To make changes to the laws governing accessible parking. Second hearing in House Children and Human Services.
Bill Analysis

SB120 - ESTABLISH URBAN FARMER YOUTH INITIATIVE (Hicks-Hudson, P)
To establish the Urban Farmer Youth Initiative Pilot Program, to codify certain property tax requirements for agricultural land, and to make an appropriation. Reported out as amended in fourth hearing of Senate Finance.
Bill Analysis

SB262 - REQUIRE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS-VARIATION FROM STANDARD FORM (Blessing III, L)
To require a public authority or other party to a construction contract to note variations from an industry standard form. Second hearing in House Judiciary.
Bill Analysis

SB318 - NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS-RESOURCE OFFICERS (Cutrona, A)
To authorize a law enforcement agency to provide school resource officer services to a chartered nonpublic school. First hearing in House Education.
Bill Analysis

SB331 - GRATUITIES-CERTAIN PUBLIC HOSPITALITY EMPLOYEES (Wilson, S; Blackshear, W)
To allow certain public hospitality employees to accept gratuities. Reported out in fifth hearing of Senate Workforce Development.
Bill Analysis

FLOOR PASSAGE
BILLS OF MUNICIPAL INTEREST

Below is the list of bills impactful to Ohio municipalities that have been passed by either the House of Senate.

HB413 - CREATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE DATABASE (Rep. Tom Young, Rep. Bob Peterson)
To create the Ohio Local Government Expenditure Database and require political subdivision participation, to require the state retirement systems to participate in the Ohio State Government Expenditure Database, and to make an appropriation. Passed by the House 91-5. The bill will now move to the Ohio Senate for consideration. Bill Analysis

COMMITTEE SCHEDULE
Based on Committee Notices that Have Been Distributed Thus Far

There are currently no committee hearings scheduled with bills of municipal interest. The Legislature will have the week of Memorial Day off and return to the statehouse the week of June 1

05/24/2026

05/21/2026

The new logo for the Village of Waynesville was introduced by Mayor Earl Issacs at the Warren County Municipal League Dinner last night.

05/04/2026

The Ohio Municipal update!

May 1, 2026
UPDATE AT A GLANCE
Here are recent items of note:

Voters will head to the polls next Tuesday, May 5, for the state’s primary election, featuring a number of competitive legislative races that will help shape the next General Assembly. Learn more about the electoral landscape in the article below.

OML distributed a member alert with updates and resources from the National League of Cities on the federal surface transportation reauthorization legislation. The alert can be viewed here.

The Tenth District Court of Appeals ruled that provisions in House Bill 126 (134th General Assembly) restricting when local governments and third parties can file property valuation complaints violate the uniform taxation requirement in the Ohio Constitution Article XII Section 2. The case stems from challenges filed with the Franklin County Board of Revision that were dismissed under the law’s restrictions, which limited complaints on properties not owned by the filer unless certain sale conditions were met. The ruling calls into question those statutory limits and may have implications for local governments’ ability to challenge property valuations.

The Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ohio will host its 2026 Annual Conference May 20–21 at the Marriott Columbus Northwest in Dublin. Sessions will cover key topics including cybersecurity, legislative updates, investment strategies, housing development tools, and AI-related fraud risks, alongside valuable networking opportunities. Register here.

Registration is open for the Mayors Association of Ohio Annual Conference, taking place June 24-25 in Dublin. Ohio’s mayors play a unique role in leading their communities and are challenged every day with circumstances that can only be handled by the chief executive. The conference will showcase important topics from a mayoral perspective and provide the opportunity for peer-to-peer networking. Register here.

OML-member municipalities are invited to join a webinar with Amazon Business, an OML Service Corporation endorsed provider, at 10 a.m. May 13. Those participating will learn how to activate free Amazon Business Prime for your municipality ($3,499 annual value at no cost). Register here.

At 10 a.m. on May 21, OML members are invited to join a webinar titled, "Consortiums - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly." USI Insurance, an OML Service Corporation endorsed provider, will do a break down for those considering a consortium or who would like to learn more about them. Register here.

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency is accepting public comments on its draft Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Plan through May 27. More information is available here.

PRIMARY ELECTION TAKING PLACE TUESDAY, MAY 5

Ohio’s Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, May 5, with voters across the state selecting party nominees for a range of local and state offices — including seats in the Ohio General Assembly.

While primary elections often receive less attention than general elections, they are frequently where the outcome is effectively decided—particularly in legislative districts that strongly favor one party. As a result, these races can have a direct impact on the policy environment in which Ohio’s municipalities operate.

Overview of the 2026 Primary Landscape

This year’s primary features a significant number of contested legislative races:

30 competitive primaries are taking place in the General Assembly (25 in the House and 5 in the Senate)
In many of these districts, the eventual primary winner is expected to be the favorite in November
An additional six districts are considered competitive or “toss-up” seats, where outcomes remain less certain heading into the general election

From a financial standpoint, recent campaign finance filings indicate that incumbent legislators generally maintain a fundraising and spending advantage, reinforcing the traditional strength of incumbency. But there are several races where challengers have mounted competitive campaigns, which could lead to changes in legislative representation.

Legislative Races to Watch

Several primaries may be of particular interest as they could influence legislative leadership and policy direction:

Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) is facing a notable primary challenge in his bid for reelection
Ron Ferguson (R-Wintersville) is also in a contested race against a former member of the Senate
Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) is in a rematch from the previous primary cycle
Additional incumbents, including Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) and Brian Lampton (R-Fairborn), are also defending their seats

On the Senate side, which has odd-numbered districts up for election this year:

Kent Smith (D-Euclid) and Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) both face primary challengers
Rep. Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon) and former Rep. Craig Riedel (R-Defiance) are battling for the 1st Senate District seat
A Democratic primary will determine who advances to challenge Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Wi******er) in the general election
Several open-seat and competitive primaries are also underway in districts across the state

In addition, a number of other current legislators are seeking to move between chambers, including Andy Brenner (R-Delaware) and Beth Lear (R-Galena).

Why This Matters to OML Members

The results of these primaries will help shape the next General Assembly and, in turn, influence key issues affecting municipalities, including:

Local government funding and revenue sources
Infrastructure investment and economic development tools
The broader balance between state policy and local control

OML members interested in reviewing a full list of candidates and districts can access a list here. You can also view an interactive map of legislative districts here.

OML will continue to monitor election outcomes and engage with legislators — both new and returning — to advocate for the interests of our members.

NEWLY INTRODUCED
BILLS OF MUNICIPAL INTEREST

Below is the list of bills that were newly introduced and that are impactful to Ohio municipalities:

HB833 - REGARDING RETIREMENT SYSTEM INVESTMENTS (Rep. Brian Lampton)
Regarding investment options for state retirement system defined contribution plans.
Bill Text

HB838 - PROHIBIT MEDICAID, GOVERNMENT PLAN COVERAGE-GENDER REASSIGNMENT SURGERY (Rep. Josh Williams)
To prohibit coverage for gender reassignment surgery under Medicaid and state and local authority employee health insurance plans.
Bill Text

SB428 - VARIOUS BUILDING CODE CHANGES (Sen. Michele Reynolds)
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.
Bill Text

SB429 - POLICE ESCORTS-FARM EQUIPMENT (Sen. Kyle Koehler)
Regarding police escorts for farm equipment and vehicles that haul agricultural equipment and produce.
Bill Text

SB431 - MARKETPLACE GUARANTEES-RENTAL HOUSING (Sen. George Lang)
To enact the Rental Home Marketplace Guarantees Act.
Bill Text

SB433 - ALTER LAW-COASTAL MANAGEMENT (Sen. Theresa Gavarone)
To alter the law governing coastal management.
Bill Text

COMMITTEE SCHEDULE
Based on Committee Notices that Have Been Distributed Thus Far

There are currently no committee hearings scheduled with bills of municipal interest. The Legislature will return to the Ohio Statehouse the week of May 11.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Grant Writing USA Trainings
May 7-8 | Cleveland
Grant Writing USA will offer an in-person training on finding grants and writing proposals. Use code less50 for $50 off the class. Register

Ohio Association of Public Safety Directors Spring Meeting
May 8 | Mohican State Park
Registration is open for the Ohio Association of Public Safety Directors annual Spring Meeting, which will take place May 8 at Mohican State Park. There is no charge for members of the association, which helps to address the unique problems, issues, responsibilities, and experiences of public safety officials. Register

Webinar: Free Amazon Business Prime for OML Members
May 13 | 10 a.m. | Virtual
OML-member municipalities are invited to join a webinar with Amazon Business, an OML Service Corporation endorsed provider, and learn how to activate free Amazon Business Prime for your municipality ($3,499 annual value at no cost). Register

Municipal Finance Officers Association Annual Conference
May 20-21 | Marriott Columbus Northwest (Dublin)
The Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ohio Annual Conference offers sessions on a variety of topics relevant to the finance work of municipalities. Register

Webinar: Consortiums - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
May 21 | 10 a.m. | Virtual
USI Insurance, an OML Service Corporation endorsed provider, will do a break down for those considering a consortium or who would like to learn more about them. Register

Mayors Association of Ohio Annual Conference
June 24-25 | Marriott Columbus Northwest (Dublin)
As chief executives of municipalities, Ohio’s mayors play a unique role in leading their communities and are challenged every day with circumstances that can only be handled by the chief executive. The conference will showcase important topics from a mayoral perspective and provide the opportunity for peer-to-peer networking. Register

Municipal Income Tax Seminar
July 8-10 | The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center
OML's annual conference on the municipal income tax will cover nuts and bolts for tax administrators, the legislative landscape, collections, technology, reviewing returns, and more. Registration coming soon.

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