Bill > HB468

This bill amends section 4511.01 of the Ohio Revised Code to expand the definition of "public safety vehicles" to include two specific types of vehicles from state agencies: vehicles used by the Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) for hazardous materials transportation enforcement, and vehicles used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) environmental emergency response unit when responding to hazardous material emergencies or pollution incidents that affect human health or the environment. By designating these vehicles as public safety vehicles, they would be granted certain exemptions from standard traffic laws, such as being allowed to proceed through traffic signals or exceed speed limits when responding to emergencies. The bill also includes an appropriation of $1,315,000 for the EPA's Emergency Response office to purchase and upgrade equipment, with funds allocated for fiscal year 2025. This change aims to provide more flexibility and support for state agency vehicles engaged in critical environmental and public safety response activities.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb468