Housing (Property Development)

This bill amends state laws to clarify the definitions and operational framework for "new community authorities," which are entities designed to develop large-scale, mixed-use areas that include residential, commercial, and recreational facilities. It establishes specific criteria for who qualifies as a "developer," allowing private owners, municipalities, or other groups that control land through long-term leases to lead these projects. The legislation also outlines how these authorities will be governed by boards of trustees and defines their responsibilities for managing land acquisition, infrastructure construction, and community facilities like parks and schools. By providing a structured legal definition for these complex developments, the bill aims to streamline the planning and execution of new communities while ensuring oversight by local county or municipal officials.

HB 568 would limit the amount that can be withheld from payments to contractors until a private construction project is completed. The bill, which would create section 4113.63 in Ohio's Revised Code, sets a maximum cap on the holdback amount project owners may retain. This directly affects private construction contractors and project owners by reducing the financial burden on contractors who often face delayed payments. The policy change aims to improve cash flow for contractors by ensuring they receive a larger portion of payments during project execution.

HB 288 requires private construction project owners to pay contractors on time by amending Ohio's Revised Code (section 4113.61). This directly affects private property developers and project owners who hire contractors for construction work. The key provision establishes a legal obligation for owners to make payments according to agreed-upon schedules, preventing delays without requiring new payment terms. The bill creates a clear standard for timely payment in private construction contracts.

To amend section 151.40 and to enact sections 122.65, 122.651, 122.652, 122.653, 122.654, 122.655, 122.657, 122.658, and 122.659 of the Revised Code to restore the Clean Ohio Fund to be administered by the Department of Development and the Clean Ohio Council.

To enact sections 122.634 and 122.635 of the Revised Code to establish residential economic development districts and to create a grant program for housing developments within such districts.