Bill to Empower Local Government Passes Ohio House

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 444, legislation that empowers local government entities. The bill is sponsored by State Reps. Brian Baldridge (R-Winchester) and Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison).

House Bill 444, known as the Ohio Township Omnibus Legislation, accomplishes the following:

- Puts minimum standards in place regarding the transfer of cemeteries
- Allows for another source of revenue for townships through Industrial Development Bonds
- Addresses public safety concerns by making emergency responses more efficient
- Provides flexibility to create Special Improvement Districts to spur economic growth

“In most situations, townships and local governments must ask the Ohio General Assembly for legislative permission to enact any new abilities to carry out their duties to the public,” said Abrams. “The Ohio Township Omnibus Legislation will empower Ohio’s 1,308 townships to be able to execute decisions individually.”

“The measures taken in this essential legislation will authorize items requested from townships across Ohio,” added Baldridge. “I am proud to sponsor legislation that brings power and freedoms to local government entities across the state.”

House Bill 444 passed with a vote of 83-0. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.