Bill > HB445

This bill amends Ohio's laws regarding regional councils of government and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), introducing several key provisions. The bill stipulates that an MPO cannot have a majority of voting members from a single county, and its chief executive officer cannot be employed outside of the state. It defines an "eligible county" as one where at least 25% of the workforce commutes to an adjoining county in a different MPO, and provides a process for such counties to request redesignation into a different metropolitan planning organization. The governor is given the authority to review and potentially approve such county redesignations within 60 days. Additionally, the bill restricts MPOs from adopting policies, regulations, or standards that are more stringent than corresponding state and federal standards. The legislation also clarifies membership and representation rules for regional councils, including how political subdivisions can join or withdraw from these councils, and requires that the names of member organizations and their representatives be considered public records. The bill aims to provide more structured and balanced governance for regional planning organizations while ensuring flexibility for counties with significant inter-county workforce movement.

Government Affairs

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb445