Legislation Increasing County Government Efficiency Signed into Law

COLUMBUS – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 497 into law, which introduces a series of updates that simplify processes, reduce costs, and enhance the effectiveness of local government services announced sponsors Representatives Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) and Brian Stewart (R-Ashville).

“H.B. 497 reflects our collaborative effort to modernize county operations and remove outdated barriers,” said Representative Klopfenstein. “By working with the County Commissioners Association of Ohio and other stakeholders, we’ve created a law that supports effective and responsive county government while maintaining transparency and accountability.”

The law includes provisions to streamline county improvement projects, update public notice requirements to reflect the digital age, and improve flexibility in public children services agency hiring. Other changes include modernizing procurement rules, simplifying property donations to nonprofits, and clarifying coroner compensation and practices.

“Some of the changes we’re making to improve efficiency on the county level include updating provisions that haven’t been reviewed since the 1950s,” said Stewart. “I’ll always advocate for implementing policies that will improve government efficiency. To help all 88 of Ohio’s counties, we need to make these changes.”

“By cutting red tape and modernizing procedures, we’re empowering local governments to better serve their communities,” said Stewart. “Some of these updates address policies unchanged since the 1950s. I’ll always advocate for reforms that improve efficiency and strengthen governance across all 88 counties.”

House Bill 497 will go into effect 90 days after being signed into law.