Bill > HB585

This bill amends section 5123.351 of the Ohio Revised Code to expand the authority of the Director of Developmental Disabilities (DoDD) regarding community capital assistance funds, which are state funds used to help county developmental disabilities boards acquire housing for individuals receiving supported living services. The bill requires the director to establish rules for distributing these funds, specifying that they can be used to acquire various types of housing including single-family homes, duplexes, manufactured homes, condominiums, and multi-structure dwellings. The rules must also allow funds to be combined with other financing sources (with certain restrictions), permit county boards to secure property interests through various legal instruments, and require that residents have a meaningful opportunity to participate in selecting their housing. Additionally, the bill gives the director the ability to waive rules to support innovative housing options that align with departmental priorities. The legislation maintains the director's existing responsibilities, such as establishing minimum personnel standards, reviewing community programs, and withholding state funds from agencies that discriminate or fail to comply with relevant regulations. The bill ultimately provides more flexibility and guidance for how community capital assistance funds can be used to support housing for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb585