Senate Committees Begin Hearings on Township Omnibus Legislation, Bill to Establish Process to Update Training Subjects for EMS Personnel

COLUMBUS-The Senate Local Government Committee today began hearings on House Bill 315, the Township Omnibus Bill, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. Thomas Hall (R- Madison Twp.).

A few highlights of the bill are as follows:

• 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;
• Provides $1.5 million per fiscal year to townships looking to modernize their zoning regulations and processes; and
  Creates a township license plate to better identify township vehicles.

"We must equip our townships with the tools and support they need to meet the development goals of the community and the state," said Hall. "This is the second consecutive General Assembly I have sponsored a township omnibus bill, and I plan to continue to find ways to aide and assist our local townships."

Additionally, the Senate Health Committee today began hearings on House Bill 303, also sponsored by Hall. This legislation will establish a process by which a person may request to add new training or continuing education topics for EMS personnel.

"There are always new and creative ideas by which we can look to best equip our EMS professionals," said Hall. "This legislation is a simple proposal that will open up access to the most up-to-date and robust training initiatives that in turn, will save lives."

Both pieces of legislation await additional committee hearings.