To urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to review and reconsider certain rules that impact our country's energy security and Ohio's small conventional oil and gas operators.
This bill creates the Adopt a Trail Program to allow volunteer groups to help maintain and improve trails on state-owned land. Under the program, approved volunteer groups can perform tasks such as spring cleanup, litter collection, accessibility improvements, and trail maintenance after applying to and receiving approval from the state division of parks and watercraft. The program requires volunteer groups to commit for at least two years, ensures all participants are at least eighteen years old, and prohibits activities that would reduce state employee hours or violate labor agreements.
To require the Department of Natural Resources to conduct two comprehensive studies on elk reintroduction and side-by-side trail expansion, to name this act the Trails and Tails Act, and to make an appropriation.
HB 627 allows county commissioners to formally veto scenic river designations for waterways designated on or after November 2024. If a county board passes a resolution disapproving the designation within 45 days of public notice (after the director publishes the proposal), the director must terminate the scenic river status. This change specifically applies to scenic rivers, not wild or recreational rivers, and does not affect private property rights or existing regulatory authority. The bill adds a county-level approval step to the existing process where the director proposes river designations and seeks public input.
HJR 1 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Ohio's state constitution that establishes a fundamental right for residents to hunt and fish using traditional methods. This right would be subject only to laws and rules enacted by the Ohio General Assembly for wildlife conservation, management, and preserving hunting/fishing opportunities. The amendment would require voter approval at the next general election and would not override existing trespass or property laws. If passed, it would make hunting and fishing a constitutionally protected activity and the preferred method for managing wildlife in Ohio.
To enact section 1509.023 of the Revised Code to prohibit the removal of oil or gas from under state lands via horizontal wells and to name this act the Protecting public Resources, Ecosystems, and Sensitive lands from Extraction, Violation, and Exploitation (PRESERVE) Act.
SB 285 would exempt agricultural land converted to specific conservation uses from being required to repay the state for conservation program costs. It amends Ohio's Revised Code (section 5713.34) to remove recoupment charges for landowners who transition farmland to eligible conservation areas. This directly affects farmers and landowners who participate in conservation programs by eliminating a financial obligation they currently face. The policy change removes a reimbursement requirement, simplifying the process for converting agricultural land to conservation purposes under existing state programs.
This resolution urges the United States Congress to designate the Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail. If Congress acts on this urging, the designation would recognize the trail's scenic, historical, and cultural importance at a national level, potentially affecting its management and public profile.
HCR 13 is a resolution urging Congress to formally designate the Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail. The bill does not create new law but requests federal action to recognize this 1,300-mile hiking trail, which runs through Ohio, as part of the National Scenic Trail System. It directly affects Ohio's trail system and potential federal management, though it has no binding effect on Congress. The key mechanism is a formal recommendation sent to the U.S. Congress, not a policy change enacted by Ohio. This is a procedural request, not a legislative action.
This resolution (SR 8) is a ceremonial honor from the Ohio Senate recognizing the Tiffin-Seneca Izaak Walton League of America Chapter 37-107 for its 100th anniversary. It commends the chapter's work in environmental conservation, community engagement, and offering nature programs for people with disabilities, veterans, and youth. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Senate's appreciation and extends best wishes for the chapter's continued efforts. It directly affects the chapter and its members by formally acknowledging their century-long contributions to Ohio's environmental stewardship.
