Bill > HB540

This bill creates a new law requiring nonprofit conservation organizations with significant land holdings to make annual payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to county treasurers. Specifically, if a nonprofit conservation organization owns more than 15,000 acres in a single county that would otherwise be tax-exempt, they must pay 2.5% of the unimproved property value to the county by June 30th each year, starting in 2026. The county auditor will then distribute these funds proportionally among local taxing units (like school districts or municipalities) based on how much tax would have been collected if the land were taxable. The bill defines a "nonprofit conservation organization" as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity primarily focused on environmental conservation. Payments can be used by taxing units for any lawful purpose, and if an organization fails to make the required payment, it will be collected like a delinquent property tax. The law excludes portions of properties used for meetings, research, educational activities, or administrative purposes from the payment calculation.

Budget and Finance

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb540