Leland, Boggs announce legislation supporting safer neighborhoods

State Reps. David Leland (D-Columbus) and Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus) today announced legislation that would allow local residents to request for increased roadway safety standards. House Bill (HB) 436 would allow residents or a recognized neighborhood association to petition for a stop sign or lower speed limits on their street.

“Local communities are in the perfect position to know if a stop sign or lower speed limit is in the best interests of their residents,” said Leland. “This bill cuts bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary expenses, and gives Ohioans the flexibility they need to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

If passed, HB 436 will permit a resident or recognized neighborhood association to obtain the required majority—51 percent—of resident signatures to petition the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to erect a stop sign or request a lower speed limit on local streets. This bill does not require the Director of ODOT to approve the petition, but they must submit their reasoning in writing for approving or declining the proposal.

“The goal of this bill is to cut unnecessary costs and empower communities to advocate for better safety standards,” said Boggs. “We believe that Ohioans deserve a fair and clearly defined process for requesting the installation of stops signs and lowering of speed limits when the majority of residents join in support.”

Under current law, there is no defined process for citizens to advocate for increased local roadway safety standards. ODOT must undergo a geometric and traffic characteristic study, which can be costly to fund, in order to evaluate and change traffic laws in Ohio. HB 436 ensures residents have a say regarding their roadway standards without additional costs or bureaucratic red tape.