ACEC Ohio Legislative Update-- May 31, 2019

GRF Budget Bill up for Senate Action

H.B. 166 (Oelslager) General Revenue Fund Budget Bill

Senate testimony on HB 166, the biennial operating budget bill, is wrapping up with the Ohio Senate Finance Committee making their recommendations next week. One major decision is whether to remove the $1 billion tax increase on small business owners. Specifically, language was inserted in the Ohio House passed version to reduce the business income deduction (BID) from $250,000 to $100,000 and the language that removes the 3% cap on pass-through income above the deduction. ACEC Ohio is part of a larger coalition against this tax change which includes the Ohio Chamber, NFIB and other like-minded organizations.  See HB 166 coalition letter here.

Continue to contact your State Senators with your concerns or send this HB 166 letter.  Your State Senator based on your business address is:

$$LEGISLATOR: State Senate$$

H.B. 159 (Blessing)--Indemnification Bill

ACEC Ohio's indemnification bill is pending before the Ohio Civil Justice Committee and has had sponsor testimony as well as proponent testimony.  At this time, county officials, municipalities, port authorities and airports have expressed concern that language in the bill.  The sponsor of the bill convened an interested party meeting this week to work out differences, some agreements were made but no consensus. A second meeting will be set up in the next few weeks.  Please use the HB 159 Talking Points when talking with your clients or legislators about the bill.

S.B. 136 (Hottinger/Sykes)--Payment Assurance Bill

This bill will establish a payment assurance program for registered design professionals, allowing architects, engineers, and surveyors to lien commercial property.  The bill has been assigned to the Senate Government, Reform and Oversight Committee. To see full text of the bill SB 136

Additional information can be found on the ACEC Ohio website: State Issues