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local fire safety inspectors or other community officials will be able to effectively maintain a collaborative working environment with disassociated third-party building officials.” We anticipate additional committee hearings this fall.
House Bill 226, Fireworks Study Group and Expansion, Representative Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati) and Representative Martin Sweeney (D-Cleveland): House Bill 226 would establish a fireworks study
group to review and make recommendations regarding the Ohio firework’s law. In addition, the bill would extend the moratorium on issuing fireworks manufacturer and wholesaler licenses to July 1, 2020. Beginning January 1, 2021, the legislation would eliminate the moratorium on the geographic transfer of fireworks manufacturer and wholesaler licenses, and, beginning July 1, 2020, would impose a fee on the retail sale of consumer grade fireworks and expand the ability of individuals to obtain 1.3G display fireworks and obtain and use 1.4G consumer fireworks.
During a hearing in the House Government Accountability and Oversight Committee, Chief Jeff Klein testified on House Bill 226. Chief Klein stated, “You will hear testimony about injuries associated with the use of fireworks. These injuries are occurring under current laws and regulations. It is our position House Bill 226 can decrease injuries by allowing the fireworks industry and public safety forces to edu- cate the public how best to protect them, and their loved ones.” House Bill 49, the biennial budget, included an extension on the moratorium on fireworks manufacturer and wholesaler licenses to September 15, 2018. The moratorium in House Bill 49 is shorter than the moratorium presented in House Bill 226 because House Bill 226
will not likely be voted on and go into effect before the December 2017 moratorium deadline.
House Bill 69, Levy Revenue Reimbursement, Representative Robert Cupp (R-Lima): House Bill 69 would require reimbursement of certain township fire and emergency medical service levy revenue forgone because of the creation of a municipal tax increment financing district. Chief Michael Little, Violet Township, provided proponent testimony on behalf of the OFCA. Chief Little urged the com- mittee to favorably pass the bill testifying that, “House Bill 69 is an opportunity for us to realize some or all of the monies from our levied taxes. This bill will give us a voice when municipalities, such as Pickerington, attempt to offer new TIF legislation to developers.” After six hearings, the bill was voted out of the House State and Local Government Committee, and passed by the House of Representatives 92-0. House Bill 69 has been referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee where it awaits further deliberation.
For additional information on any of the above bills or any other bills that the association is currently working on, please log into the members only section of the website and visit the legislative page. u
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