Transportation (Roads & Highways)

in committee · Ohio · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SB 449: Adopt the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact

This bill ratifies the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact, a formal agreement designed to coordinate passenger rail development across multiple Midwestern states. It establishes a new Commission composed of state governors, private sector representatives, and legislators to advocate for funding, create long-term high-speed rail plans, and foster partnerships between governments and the rail industry. The Commission will be funded through equal contributions from member states and has the authority to conduct research, hire staff, and oversee specific rail projects upon request. By enacting this compact into state law, Ohio joins other Midwestern states in a unified effort to improve intercity passenger rail service and integrate it into national transportation strategies.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill ratifies a compact to coordinate passenger rail development, establish a commission for funding, and create long-term high-speed rail plans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports Rail Roads & Highways

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in committee · Ohio · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 455: Designate Col. George A. Martin Memorial Highway

This bill designates a specific stretch of Interstate 70 in Franklin County as the "Col. George A. Martin Memorial Highway." The affected portion includes the westbound and eastbound lanes between the Main Street/Bexley exit and the Miller Avenue/Kelton Avenue exit. If passed, the director of transportation is authorized to place physical markers along the road to display this new name. The legislation serves as a commemorative measure rather than a change to traffic laws or funding.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill designates a specific highway segment with a memorial name, enhancing the identity and commemoration of the transportation infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill designates a highway as a memorial for a Colonel, explicitly recognizing and honoring a veteran's service.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · Ohio · Senate May 13, 2026

SB 429: Regards police escorts for farm equipment, agricultural vehicles

This bill updates Ohio laws to streamline the permitting process for large agricultural vehicles and farm equipment traveling on state and local roads. It allows the state Department of Transportation and local authorities to issue special permits for oversized loads, including farm machinery and produce haulers, without requiring a police escort under specific conditions. To qualify for an escort waiver, a vehicle must travel less than ten miles on a state route that is not an interstate highway, and the operator must obtain written permission from the relevant county sheriff. The legislation also clarifies how fees are calculated to cover administrative costs and potential road damage while designating certain highways as special economic development zones.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill streamlines permitting for agricultural vehicles, reducing regulatory burdens and facilitating efficient transport of goods.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Tags Agriculture

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in committee · Ohio · House May 20, 2026

HB 942: Establish liability framework for motorized off-road activities

To enact section 2305.322 of the Revised Code to establish a liability framework for participants, sponsors, and spectators during motorized off-road activities.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes a liability framework for motorized off-road activities, enhancing safety standards and protecting participants, which aligns with supporting transportation safety.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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passed · Ohio · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 358: Create the Blackout license plate

SB 358 creates a special "Blackout" license plate option for Ohio vehicle owners. It allows owners of standard vehicles to apply for this plate, which features a black background with white letters instead of the usual design, excluding the "BIRTHPLACE OF AVIATION" slogan and county identification stickers. Applicants must pay standard registration fees plus a $10 administrative fee and a $20 plate fee, with both fees deposited into the state highway safety fund. This bill directly affects Ohio drivers who choose this specific plate design, with no broader policy changes beyond the plate specifications and associated fees.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill generates $30 additional fees (admin + plate) deposited into highway safety fund, directly funding public safety infrastructure per bill language.92% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs $10 admin + $20 plate fees to highway safety fund, explicitly funding transportation infrastructure and safety initiatives under Transportation subject.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports Roads & Highways Vehicle Registration

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passed · Ohio · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 630: Regards police escorts for farm equipment, agricultural vehicles

HB 630 creates an annual permit for farmers hauling agricultural equipment or produce, eliminating the requirement for police escorts under specific conditions. If a farmer uses this permit to move farm equipment on a state route (not an interstate) for less than 10 miles, law enforcement escorts are no longer mandatory. The bill modifies existing permit rules to streamline movement of agricultural vehicles, focusing on short-distance travel within the state highway system. This directly affects farmers transporting machinery or crops, reducing administrative hurdles for routine farm operations.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEliminates mandatory police escorts for agricultural vehicles on state routes, streamlining short-distance transport and reducing road disruptions within transportation infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Roads & Highways

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in committee · Ohio · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 637: Regards use of recycled asphalt roofing shingles for construction

To enact section 3710.30 of the Revised Code to allow a person to use recycled asphalt roofing shingles for construction purposes so long as the shingles do not contain asbestos.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables recycling of asphalt shingles, conserving natural resources and reducing waste, directly supporting environmental protection goals.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables recycled shingles for road construction, supporting sustainable infrastructure development under Transportation subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Roads & Highways

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in committee · Ohio · House Oct 1, 2025

HB 451: Designate CPL Lindsey William Mitchell Memorial Highway

To enact section 5534.931 of the Revised Code to designate a portion of Interstate 70 in Franklin and Fairfield counties as the "CPL Lindsey William Mitchell Memorial Highway."

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationThe bill designates a portion of an interstate highway, directly acting upon a key component of transportation infrastructure.65% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransThe bill designates a memorial highway in honor of CPL Lindsey William Mitchell, directly recognizing veteran service as per the topic description and support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Ohio · House Nov 18, 2025

HB 471: Designate Deputy Larry Henderson Memorial Highway

To enact section 5534.971 of the Revised Code to designate a portion of Interstate 275 in Hamilton County as the "Deputy Larry Henderson Memorial Highway."

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill designates a memorial highway for a Deputy, honoring a member of law enforcement, a core component of the criminal justice system.65% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationThe bill directly designates a portion of Interstate 275, a major highway, which is a core component of transportation infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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signed · Ohio · House Jul 7, 2026

HB 541: Designate Deputy Daniel "Weston" Sherrer Memorial Highway

To enact section 5534.474 of the Revised Code to designate a portion of U.S. Route 42 in Morrow County as the "Deputy Daniel "Weston" Sherrer Memorial Highway."

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationThe bill officially designates a portion of a U.S. Route as a memorial highway, which is a direct action on transportation infrastructure, acknowledging its official status.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways