To amend sections 5747.01, 5747.08, and 5747.98 and to enact section 5747.36 of the Revised Code to authorize the refundable thriving families tax credit for certain income taxpayers with dependents who are minor children.
To amend sections 4909.05, 4909.06, 4909.07, 4909.08, 4909.15, 4909.155, 4909.156, 4909.18, 4909.191, 4909.42, 4928.18, and 4929.041 and to enact sections 4903.30, 4929.052, 4929.053, 4929.054, 4929.055, 4929.056, 4929.057, 4929.058, 4929.059, and 4929.0510 of the Revised Code to allow for alternative rate plans for natural gas companies to serve large load customers and to make changes to the process of valuating natural gas company property.
SB 131 clarifies how courts calculate compensatory damages for damaged vehicles in personal injury lawsuits. It requires courts to base vehicle damage awards on the difference between pre- and post-damage market value, repair costs (if lower than the value difference), loss of use during repairs, or salvage value for non-repairable vehicles. The bill also caps noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering) at $250,000 or three times the economic loss (max $350,000 per plaintiff, $500,000 per accident), with no cap for severe injuries like permanent deformity or loss of bodily function. This directly affects car accident victims seeking compensation for vehicle damage and related losses.
SB 128 creates Ohio's state-run ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account program, allowing individuals with disabilities to save for qualified disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested public benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The bill directs the state treasurer to establish the program, set contribution limits, and ensure funds are exempt from resource calculations for benefit eligibility under Section (H). It requires accounts to be managed separately per beneficiary, imposes administrative fees (paid by the state for account owners), and mandates quarterly statements. The program aligns with federal tax rules to maintain tax-advantaged status while protecting beneficiaries' access to public assistance.
To amend sections 5725.98, 5726.98, 5729.98, 5747.98, and 5751.98 and to enact sections 5725.39, 5726.62, 5727.242, 5727.301, 5729.22, 5736.51, 5747.74, and 5751.56 of the Revised Code to authorize a refundable tax credit for a portion of employer group health plan premiums.
To amend sections 3301.0712, 3302.03, 3302.034, 3302.036, 3302.12, 3313.413, 3314.012, 3314.016, 3314.017, 3314.0211, 3314.03, 3314.05, 3314.29, 3314.352, 3314.353, and 3314.354; to enact new section 3314.35 and section 3326.53; and to repeal sections 3314.35, 3314.351, 3314.355, and 3314.36 of the Revised Code regarding closure requirements or other actions for poor-performing public schools.
HB 145 sets minimum annual instructional hour requirements for Ohio schools. It requires nonchartered nonpublic (private) schools to meet specific hour standards (458 hours for kindergarten, 963 for grades 1-6, 1,154 for grades 7-12) and certify compliance annually to parents and the education department. Public school districts must maintain or increase instructional hours year-over-year without board approval, and must consider joint vocational school scheduling needs before changing calendars. The bill also mandates curriculum standards for private schools and prohibits them from receiving transportation or administrative reimbursements. These changes directly affect private school operators, public school boards, and parents reporting student enrollment.
To amend sections 323.152, 323.153, 4503.065, and 4503.066 of the Revised Code to authorize an enhanced property tax homestead exemption for certain long-term homeowners.
To amend section 5747.98 and to enact sections 1315.131, 5502.80, and 5747.87 of the Revised Code to levy a transfer fee on money transmissions, to authorize an income tax credit based on the amount of the transfer fees paid, and to name this act Ohio's Withholding Illegal Revenue Entering Drug Markets (WIRED) Act.
To amend sections 5739.02 and 5739.03 of the Revised Code to exempt from sales and use tax building materials sold to a contractor under a contract valued at $25 million or more for projects in areas with a port authority.
SB 130 would establish April as "Arab American Heritage Month" through state law. This designation formally recognizes Arab American contributions within the state's calendar of observances. The bill creates a specific annual observance period without altering existing laws or providing new funding. It directly affects how the state acknowledges and commemorates Arab American history and culture.
HB 139 requires property owners and maintenance entities to regularly inspect and test fire hydrant systems, water pipes, and associated equipment. It mandates annual inspections for all fire hydrants (including after each use) and annual checks for water pipes, with flow tests every five years for main pipes. All testing, repairs, and maintenance must be documented and kept for at least one year, available for fire marshal review. The bill aims to ensure hydrant systems remain operational and compliant with fire safety standards.
