House Committee Begins Hearings on Township Omnibus Bill

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Thomas Hall (R- Madison Twp.) yesterday provided sponsor testimony on the Township Omnibus Bill during House State and Local Government Committee. 

House Bill 315 aims to aide local townships by implementing the following provisions among others: 

• Extends the authority of townships to form new community authorities or modify existing ones;
• Grants townships the authority to establish Township Preservation Commissions in order to participate in the Certified Local Government program and become eligible for federal grants; and
• Provides $1.5 million per fiscal year to townships looking to modernize their zoning regulations and processes. 

“Our townships are an integral part of our communities, and as a former township trustee, I know firsthand how these changes will positively impact Ohio townships,” said Hall. “We must take steps to equip them to capitalize on growth and development opportunities.”

The committee also heard testimony from several proponents of the bill, including township officials. 

House Bill 315 awaits further consideration by the House State and Local Government Committee.