Bill > HB54

This bill appropriates funds for transportation purposes for the 2026-2027 biennium, making numerous amendments to existing laws and enacting new provisions related to transportation. Here are the key provisions: * **Department of Transportation (ODOT) Funding:** * Highway Operating Fund Group: Over $4.4 billion for FY 2026 and over $4.0 billion for FY 2027. This includes significant funding for Highway Construction (State and Federal), Highway Maintenance, Planning and Research, and Administration. * Dedicated Purpose Fund Group: Over $2.8 million for FY 2026 and FY 2027 for Rail Transportation and County Airport Maintenance. * Capital Projects Fund Group: $420 million for each fiscal year for Highway Construction (Bonds and Infrastructure Bank). * **Specific Projects and Initiatives:** * **Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project:** All spending related to this project will be documented and visible in public databases. * **Feasibility Studies:** Funding is allocated for studies on an Interstate Route 73 corridor, pavement selection processes, and the feasibility of connecting U.S. Route 23 to Interstate Route 71. * **Public Transportation:** Over $63 million in federal funds and $3.5 million in other funds for FY 2026 and FY 2027, including support for the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program and a rural transportation planning grant program. * **Roadwork Development:** $15.2 million for each fiscal year for road improvements associated with economic development and public airports. * **Transportation Improvement Districts:** $9 million in each fiscal year for projects facilitated by these districts, with a limit of $500,000 per project per fiscal year. * **Rail Safety:** Reappropriation of funds for Rail Safety Crossing Match and a review of train derailments due to bearing or axle failure. * **Rest Areas:** Rest areas may be closed if their parking lots remain available for commercial motor vehicles. * **Amendments to Transportation Laws:** The bill makes extensive changes to various sections of the Revised Code related to: * **Vehicle Titling and Registration:** Including provisions for replica vehicles, electronic titles, and changes to watercraft titling. * **Driver's Licenses and Identification:** Updates related to enhanced licenses, online renewals, and requirements for probationary licenses. * **Traffic Laws:** Numerous amendments to rules regarding speed limits, traffic control devices, distracted driving, railroad crossings, and the operation of various vehicle types (e.g., low-speed vehicles, mini-trucks, electric bicycles). * **Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance:** Modifications to the E-Check program, including exemptions for hybrid vehicles and an alternative emissions certification program. * **Procurement:** Changes to competitive bidding thresholds and procedures for regional transit authorities and the Department of Transportation. * **Railroad Safety:** Requirements for wayside detector systems and exemptions for certain track types. * **Other Provisions:** * **Legislative Salaries:** Adjustments to compensation for members of the General Assembly. * **One Time Strategic Community Investments:** Significant funding is allocated to various community projects across the state. * **Public Works Commission:** Funding for local public infrastructure and revolving loan programs. * **Motor Fuel Tax Distributions:** Allocations from the Gasoline Excise Tax Fund to municipalities, townships, and counties. * **Bond Issuance:** Authorization for the Treasurer of State to issue additional obligations for the Highway Capital Improvement Fund. * **Transfers and Reappropriations:** Provisions allowing for transfers between funds and reappropriation of unencumbered balances for various transportation-related purposes.