House Committee Begins Hearings on Bill to Update Ohio Annexation Law

COLUMBUS – State Representative Johnathan Newman (R-Troy) this week provided sponsor testimony before the House Local Government Committee on House Bill 113, legislation to provide the opportunity for more input from community leaders when a community is considering annexation. Newman is sponsoring the legislation alongside State Representative Adam Bird (R-New Richmond). 

House Bill 113 specifically grants county commissioners the authority to veto any annexation they determine to not be in the best interest of the county or community, including expedited annexations. Under current law, expedited annexations may not be vetoed by the county commissioners.

“This bill seeks to give commissioners a seat at the table and bring balance,” said Newman during sponsor testimony. “We think these reforms will allow for good annexation and housing development to continue while not overburdening the community.”

The legislation will also make the following updates to Ohio’s annexation laws:

• Require a municipality administrator or assistant administrator to file financial disclosure statements with the Ohio Ethics Commission;
• Lower the maximum area for annexation from 500 to 200 acres; and
• Allow a city, local, or exempted village school district, in certain circumstances, to prevent land from becoming a Community Reinvestment Area.

House Bill 113 awaits further consideration from the House Local Government Committee.