Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed House Bill 318, House Bill 363 and Senate Bill 106.
Regarding House Bill 318, Strickland said:
“This bill balances the education budget and protects our schools from devastating cuts. It advances construction reform at University System of Ohio institutions. And it affirms that education is the foundation of our plan to strengthen our economy and create opportunity for all Ohioans.”
House Bill 318
State Rep. Vernon Sykes sponsored HB 318, which delays a reduction of income tax rates for two years to provide resources for Ohio schools. In addition, HB 318 includes provisions that allow the Chancellor of the Board of Regents to establish criteria to determine capital projects at University System of Ohio institutions to utilize alternative construction management methods to serve as a demonstration of construction reform; permits school districts to request and receive a waiver to delay the implementation of all-day kindergarten but only if a resolution from the local school board of the district provides a justification for a delay and a plan to implement all-day kindergarten; and provides potential additional funding for non-public, chartered schools.
The bill also corrects a legislative drafting error from HB 1, ensuring that $14.7 million in mental health funds are directed to the correct fund for community mental health services and provides resources to the Ohio State Employment Relations Board.
House Bill 363
State Reps. Mark D. Okey and Deborah Newcomb sponsored HB 363, which authorizes the Ohio Department of Agriculture Director to adopt rules under the Concentrated Animal Feeding Facilities Law. In addition, the bill includes provisions that prohibit the ownership, as well as the operation of, a concentrated animal feeding facility without a permit to operate in Ohio.
Senate Bill 106
State Sens. Steve Buehrer and Eric Kearney sponsored SB 106, which revises estate and trust statutory provisions.
