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SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 REPORT #12

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

 

HOUSING STILL ON THE RADAR FOR LAME DUCK SESSION

 

While many are focused on the upcoming November elections, work is still being done in anticipation of the lame duck session when the legislature returns.  OHBA has consistently been meeting with both House and Senate members, as well as, the Department of Development on increasing housing supply.  OHBA’s approach reiterates the need to increase the number of developed lots free from excess regulation in order to provide more reasonably priced lots on which to build the much-needed homes.

 

The Senate’s Select Committee on Housing continues to have zoning and planning on its radar, as do, Representatives Lorenz and Isaacsohn.  Meanwhile, DOD is looking into how to potential use funding to help incentivize infrastructure and housing development.  Each have a little different view of how to approach the issue, but OHBA is working to put together a meaningful proposal as the lame duck session approaches.

 

BUILDING CODES

 

Maintaining a reasonable residential building code for Ohio is a top priority for OHBA.  This goal is constantly being threatened by more stringent codes being proposed at the National level.  Both the IECC and NEC are two recent examples.  Fortunately, the Residential Construction Advisory Committee is statutorily required to perform a thorough review of these codes including cost impact and technical feasibility.  The members of the RCAC play a crucial role in keeping Ohio’s code reasonable.  There are a few vacancies awaiting appointment, and OHBA is staying in touch with the Department of Commerce as the outgoing members are replaced.

 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

 

HB 203 Construction Projects Roemer, B. Sweeney, B.

To require owners of private construction projects to timely pay contractors.  HB 203 has passed the House and is now in the Senate committee.  The bill would extend the 30-day prompt pay provisions to private contracts.  1,2,3-family construction is exempt, and OHBA has requested an additional exemption for smaller commercial projects.

 

HB 327 Employee Verification Wiggam, S. Swearingen, D. To require government contractors, private nonresidential contractors, and certain employers to use E-verify. While residential construction is exempt, the stakeholders in opposition have reached out to OHBA as the bill moves to the Senate for further hearings. 

 

 

HB 499 Housing Isaacsohn, D. Mathews, A.

To create grant programs for housing developments near megaprojects and for townships and municipalities that adopt pro-housing policies, to modify the community reinvestment area law relating to residential property, and to limit the 10% nonbusiness property tax.

 

SB 243 Zoning Regulations Reynolds, M. Craig, H.

To declare the General Assembly's intent to enact legislation addressing local zoning regulations that impede the development of housing in this state.

 

 

Feel free to contact OHBA with any questions or comments at 614-228-6647 or build@ohiohba.com.

 

SAVE THE DATE

            Save the date for OHBA’s Fall Board of Trustees Meeting on November 12^th at the Hilton Easton in Columbus.  Detailed information will be emailed out soon.

            If you have any questions, please contact OHBA at (800)282-3403.

 

 

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT'S COLUMN

By Vincent J. Squillace Executive Vice President

Visit our Website AUGUST         ELECTION SEASON IS UPON US                Seemingly, there is always an election. Thanks to constant news coverage and a vibrant internet there is always an urge to vote for someone or something. The Secretary of State is now preparing ballots as early voting begins in October. Aside from the presidential election we expect at least one major constitutional amendment dealing with redistricting.              While the main statewide offices are not up for another two years, a US Senate seat will be elected along with all Ohio House seats and half of the Ohio Senate seats. All General Assembly seats have been redrawn as required every 10 years so to conform with population changes as counted in the latest census. Remember all 99 House and 33 Senate districts have been redrawn. Senators who are midterm have been assigned a district to represent for the remaining two years. If you need some help finding who your next legislative representative or senator may be or will be, let us know.              In the meantime, we expect little or no legislative action until after the November General Elections. Once all the winners are certified we will get a good picture of what the new legislature and congress may pursue. Same goes for the next president. There is a lot at stake in the results.              We know a contest to be the next Ohio House Speaker will be divisive. Leadership in the Ohio Senate seems to be more certain. Perhaps the biggest questions exist on the federal level. At this moment the US House and Senate majorities could change. As for the big prize, the presidency, is in play as well; (see my P.S.).              P.S. A first for this column. It had to be something monumental and the announcement by President Biden of quitting the race is big news to us who operate in the political world. The question raised by the announcement are many and substantive. The timing of it at such a late stage makes it difficult to venture an outcome. Remember early voting begins in October.   For now, we have to wait and see who is nominated to run on the democratic ticket.

Ohio Home Builders Association, 800/282-3403, build@ohiohba.com