COLUMBUS-Ohio House of Representatives yesterday passed House Bill 315, the Township Omnibus Bill, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. Thomas Hall (R- Madison Twp.). Hall is sponsoring the legislation alongside State Rep. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati).

A few highlights of the bill are as follows:

• 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.

"The goal of this legislation is to assist and aide our local townships," said Hall. "As a former township trustee, I hope to always uplift our local townships."

House Bill 315 now heads to the Ohio Senate for a vote.

As the State Legislature begins summer recess, Hall also highlighted his bills that have passed out of the Ohio House so far, this General Assembly:

• House Bill 22: Establish a Stroke Registry in Ohio
• House Bill 57: Index the Homestead Exemption to Inflation
• House Bill 66: Establish a Bad Debt Refund for Wholesalers
• House Bill 74: Update State Technology Infrastructure
• House Bill 76: Innovate the Ohio Revised Code
• House Bill 187: Ohio Homeowners Relief Act
• House Bill 265: Exempt Certain Information about First Responders from Disclosure under Public Records Law
• House Bill 303: Establish Process to Add and Revise EMS Training Subjects

"It is an honor to have had the opportunity to spearhead a number of important pieces of legislation so far this General Assembly," said Hall. "I look forward to continuing to fight for my constituents and finish this year strong!"